How to Sail (for beginners)

[@michelwayne03]

This was the best instructional sailing video ever! Thank you!

[@alanmodracek1998]

Wanted to learn to sail, you made it look so easy so I bought a 29' Cal and taught myself on youtube, all starting with you! After a short season I just finish a single handed trip around Long Island. Thanks Sam!!

[@jls41nj1]

How long did it take you? And did you run into any problems? Plans to sail to Block Island or Nantucket?

[@deltatea82]

I know that feeling. I'm about there myself. All of the local Sailing Clubs are to elite to bother with a newbie.

[@treasurehunt7812]

That's fantastic! Thank you for sharing. Yarr

[@Kitiwake]

Navigation is what you neeed to learn for the boats. If to want to learn to "sail" properly then get a dinghy. Better still, race a dinghy.

[@stilettobella]

This is the Most I have learned in the past two years about sailing! And I sail ha ha! Thank you thank ! I love the simplicity!

[@elturco3406]

Sam Holmes only dude on KZbin actually loves sailing and genuinely interested in helping people with his videos. Thanks for being unique brother. Keep the videos coming!

[@inventiveowl395]

Check out Erik Aandera.

[@toidrayton-seymore5009]

Check out sailing uma

[@kodiak7]

I love Sams videos. But that’s a genuinely false comment. There are many KZbinrs who have a genuine interest and passion. Regardless of budget and boat.

[@max_headroom_1987]

Check out Sailing with Thomas

[@kodiak7]

@@max_headroom_1987 that’s a good example.

[@DavidHolmes-vu4jc]

i never even know how much work it takes thanksfor this

[@jpinvestcebu]

Great video Sam..."A flappy sail is not a happy sail"

[@Glenbard4]

Been sailing for years but I have a real problem teaching. This video is an excellent primer before I get my kiddos out on the water. Thank you for making this.

[@danniegrice]

One of the best sailing training courses I've seen.

[@tomsailor7265]

Self made, self taught, and humble. That is the mark of the best of teachers! Such passion is contagious

[@marcmacdonald5862]

I took a 30 hour hands on sailing course. This video summed the shit out of that course

[@southernpaths2986]

Add me to the numbers of folks who want to see a LOT more content like this sprinkled in with the usual excellent videos you do.

[@MiamiCubanGuy]

This was an awesome overview for a beginner. Takes away the fear a bit.

[@justyp]

Hey, thanks much! Going to start with a 16 compac in 2023.

[@keithkline6334]

Flappy sail is not a happy sail ! Awesome video,thanks dude.

[@jrrailroad7631]

“A flappy sail is not a happy sail.” Good stuff

[@corb532]

Thanks Sam. Very basic & educational.

[@als2217]

Even on a Sailing Training Video Sam manages to say, ‘…you just drill a hole in the…’ Virtually every episode!

[@Jaantoenen]

Yep, Sam is a thriller and a driller lol

[@obiwanfisher537]

Some people hate to drill holes in their boats, Sam gets a thrill out of it, I guess haha.

[@affalada6868]

Bro I've watched several how to sail videos and your was the easiest to understand

[@samholmessailing]

Glad to hear it!

[@emilybh6255]

The first thing that newbies need to learn is that "ropes" are never called "ropes" on a boat. They are called "lines". You have an anchor line, a mooring line, sheets are lines, halyards are lines etc.

[@shawnlund]

That was fantastic, it really helped show me how what I’ve been reading actually looks like in reality. 😊

[@7an7ara]

You're a hero for making this, I would love to start sailing but is difficult to know what tutorials are good. Having watched you for about a year now, I trust your knowledge, so I'd feel confident using your video as part of my first-boat and first-voyages education 😊

[@staguar]

Josh Post has a really good intro to sailing video on his channel

[@dan711g]

I agree, Josh post has just about the best intro to sailing videos they are very easy to understand. Get on a sailboat and go sailing! Best advice I ever got.... By a little Sunfish or dingy, or join a club, just go sailing!

[@mikedobbs1575]

@@staguar ? Seems more focused on his own fitness videos than sailing... Id wait for more of Sam's videos....

[@tropicofcharlie6359]

@@dan711g Absolutely true. @zanzara I was a sail instructor on hobie waves and sunfish for several summers. But I cannot emphasize how humbling it was buying my own 14' hobie holder. But my sailing has only improved by getting back out there every week. Also never underestimate a new sailing environment, you can and will be humbled anywhere.

[@inventiveowl395]

I'm going to start sailing one day, and I don't watch too many tutorials. Instead, I watch people sail and put the information together myself. This way, I remember more, more quickly and I already know where to put my hands on a ship.

[@bjswope8797]

Thank you for expressing how to sail without overloading the video with all the nautical terms. You hav the ability to describe the terms with Bo Th common terms and nautical terms. Thank you!

[@shanepalmer6899]

The best beginner clip I’ve seen

[@masterofnone11]

I'm an experienced sailor and I loved this video

[@eazyvictorproductions8217]

Have my first ASA course in 2 weeks because of you. Thanks Sam!

[@ahdash4998]

so, how did it go? :D

[@eazyvictorproductions8217]

@@ahdash4998 excellent!!! Learned a lot and had a blast

[@JoeWayne84]

Dude that was the best explained video on KZbin Seriously man thank you

[@peterbrown6224]

You'll never regret learning to sail. It's immensely rewarding. You can get some good practice by standing in a cold shower tearing up $50 bills and having someone shout at you. After I took my Competent Crew, it was very easy to get a spot on an inshore racing yacht for about a year until I bought my own. This video is an excellent introduction for novices.

[@Jonny-g7l]

Great video Sam. You've got me inspired to get back on the water after so many years. I need to find myself a boat and get out there!

[@jamessandman3708]

...and that is why I love sailing!! Thanks Sam! ..........⛵⛵

[@rb2752]

This was the easiest to understand sailing tutorial video I’ve found. He explains it in a super simple way.

[@Chase1399Aviation]

Sail flapping is a good word for it, I'm sure it's easier to teach it that way, but the actual word for a flappy said is "luffing". You can also control your healing by pointing alone, you don't always have to let the sail out. This is especially true during a race. I know Sam knows this, but as a prior competitive sailor, I'm not being nit picky. lol. But these videos are a great tool for your audience, to which I am proud to be one. Safe Sailing buddy. Thanks for all your hard work with these videos.

[@windonwater3895]

Great video. Thanks Sam. It's great to have young people encouraging other young people to get into sailing. I'm 74 and have been sailing since I was 12. I enjoyed watching your video. I've always said "when in doubt, let it out" but I like your "a flappy sail is an unhappy sail" and I think I'll use that from now on.

[@BottyGuy]

Ok, pretty good. Especially the last 10 minutes of tacking, that was excellent!

[@bigcmoore]

Got to love a "sailing" video that is actually about sailing. 👍

[@brandonthomas21]

Great to meet you in Fort Myers!! Never stop educating or Learning. Jack of all trades, master of none!

[@VonBluesman]

Great video Sam. Maybe you might want to teach about anchoring and how you use a drogue to slow a boat down. I love your videos, you always accomplish your goals. Thanks

[@chrispeebles421247]

Wow sam. As a novice this video was really informative. I've watched you for years, good job and thank you!

[@coymatocha7013]

This is by far the best sailing lesson on KZbin. You made it so easy to understand. Thanks Sam!

[@samholmessailing]

Thanks, glad you got something out of it 👍

[@thaitom449]

​@samholmessailing hi Sam,did you do anymore learning to sail videos as I can't find any

[@CamberHill]

Great instruction. I'm on my 5th sailing lesson at LBYC. This was very helpful.

[@levisworld8249]

I am 12 and LOVE to watch your videos! What happened to the workshop?!?! Love those videos and boat work videos. Thanks for give me hours of entertainment sam, keep it up!

[@tylerm1491]

I think I remember him saying he's renting the workshop out to a viewer

[@stuartrisebrow5536]

Easiest sailing intro to follow I have c9me across. Thank you.

[@jbonaful]

This is fantastic! I was a Sailor for 11 years but it was on military ships with their own propulsion. I could never really wrap my head around sailing theory until I saw this.

[@Davey-N-Lola]

only ever walked past a marina, yet i bought a Jaguar 27 two days ago and now living on it, I've yet to take it off the mooring until i got some training but watching your videos have made things, not seem jibberish so thank you for making these videos and also making my excitement for doing what am doing even more.

[@HoistTheBloodyColours]

I know this video is older now but I’d like to say how good of a teacher you are 😂. I learnt from this video so well. ❤ Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AmeliaHoskins]

Excellent 'how to', and naming the ropes. I just got an old wooden boat with the winches and cleats like this, and now I know their purpose. Starting off facing the wind, just like windsurfing! Of course.

[@treywest268]

I know that you mostly sail solo. I also know that your mains'l boom is high enough over your cockpit. A good practice for those with smaller sailing vessels with others aboard when tacking is to call out "Prepare to Come About!" and just a moment before making the move calling, once again, "Coming About!". This is to prepare and inform those on deck or in the cockpit that there will be a change in the direction and to avoid being hit in the head by the boom or being knocked overboard by a sail changing direction. Plus those below decks can brace themselves for the change in direction as the boat will heel in another direction.

[@CrazyChemistPL]

Here in Poland issuing these commands is actually mandatory when attempting an exam for sailor's license. You can execute the manevuer flawlessly, but if you don't use proper commands, you can still fail.

[@samholmessailing]

That sounds like a good practice

[@_lemonny]

Excellent video! I plan to purchase a cheaper sailboat soon so I'm consuming as much educational content as I can beforehand.

[@tonykirkham4087]

Thanks,that was great,only sails once and im doing it by myself and im having a hard time, this helps a lot,I'm 71 years old and I have a jeanneau tonic 23.

[@jimt1240]

Great to see a couple 71yr olds learning new skills. With practice you'll get there. I'm a little older too at 70. Oh yeah, nice job Sam.

[@obiwanfisher537]

Sam does great videos, also check out Josh Post video about sailing. To get out and sail is easy really and great fun. it's just overwhelming at first with all the new terminology and the amount of ropes... Also, at least that was the case for me, you are afraid to damage something. Just get out and sail, be sure the engine works and you are far away from other boats and shallow water, and then just practice. Soon you will learn "If I pull this, it does that, and if I do that, it does this". You really only need to understand which ropes raise the sail and how to angle the sails towards the wind. Google "points of sail", print it out, laminate it and take it with you when you go sailing. Enjoy sailing :)

[@Gkitchens1]

I've watched several videos now on how to sail, and I've got to say your video here is by far my favorite. You out it so simple that it's almost impossible to ne confused ot misunderstand.

[@wakjagner]

Thanks Sam, this was great. By any chance could you go over how the harbor/docking works, like when you know you have the right of way, when you know you're clear to enter, etc? I imagine it varies a lot by location but how do you (with all your various travels) figure out where you can harbor/dock, what the rules are? It seemed like you enjoyed teaching as much as we enjoyed watching!

[@atomisum6445]

Hell yeah! Been waiting for Sam's "how to sail" video even though all his videos are basically how to sail. Favorite channel!

[@peterbainard]

Well done! You covered a lot of ground effectively in just 30 mins. Great visual demos and instruction.

[@gbin99]

Thank you, for this wonderful lesson.

[@dougmassey1807]

Thanks Sam really enjoyed your 'how to sail' first lesson for this 71 year old, you never know when this could come in useful. Hope you do some follow ups.

[@obiwanfisher537]

Might as well buy a little trailer sailer now and test your knowledge :D

[@sarahssunnysideofthemounta2154]

Sam, that was the simplest explanation on sailing I have ever seen of aaaaaalllll the 20 plus sailing vlogs I watch. I understand no how to sail! Way to go and yes, tell some more.! You made sense! Oh and I liked the little model on the wind tracker. Lol

[@jls41nj1]

I’m 57 years old and I haven’t been sailing ⛵️ for over 25 years. I owned a powerboat and my dock neighbor took me sailing a few times. I was instantly hooked but never really learned how it’s done. I’m thinking about buying a 28-32 fter and love videos like this. Keep this videos coming Sam. My dream is to someday sail the Caribbean. Down from NJ to Miami and across to the Bahamas 🇧🇸. Pipe dream? Maybe 🤔

[@smallcarbigcountry.9074]

Excellent sir! This was the best introduction to sailing I have watched, and I have watched a few. Thank you for the time and effort.

[@pfflyer3381]

I'll watch this more then once. Thank you!

[@mattrowe1093]

I don't have many hero's in this life, but you are definitely one. Best sailing video ever, please do more instruction videos!!

[@tomatobrush3283]

You are the Bob Ross of sailing, thanks so much.

[@mvisinski]

Thank you Sam. I'm learning to sail, just bought a MacGregor 22. It's sitting mast stepped in my driveway right now. Lol. I've been watching you, I think from the beginning, and it was you and Captain James, SV Triteia that sparked my interest. I appreciate everything you do and the effort you put in. Keep it up, I'll always make time to watch your content. I've learned so much from you. Thank you.

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Happy adventures Mitch 😃

[@BSpenceTravels]

Super helpful video for a guy from Arkansas. Thanks Sam.

[@sdufg]

After a few hours and this video i sailed SINGLE HANDED to Hawaii! From Vancouver BC!

[@lars-goranuddman5243]

You are a fantastic teacher. I really enjoyed this lesson. Thanks a lot for this inspiration and education.

[@Acandaz]

When I was a kid my dad bought me and my brother an Optimist (small sailing boat mainly aimed at children) and signed us for professional lessons so we could learn sailing. I regret to say I only went on one or two lessons and basically cried, screamed and begged so I didn't have to go anymore. Lately and especially after discovering your channel I've really started to regret being such a brat back then and not taking those lessons. Your channel has quickly become one of my favourites. Thank you for helping me realize the wonders of sailing.

[@jacobbrozenick8366]

I’ve never wanted to sail, but I can’t stop watching sailing videos, I finally broke down and watched an actual how to and I’m more interested in it than ever.

[@walterjohnson2429]

I just got my own sailboat. Never sailed. 😂 This is helpful. 😊

[@ezman100]

Sam, you are an awesome guy and we appreciate your sense of adventure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@kimberlyvalesky1710]

Thank you Sam. I have been studying/prepping for potential sailing life to try a few years off-grid. I have only briefly sailed before I was married with my now ex-husband and again with my sons on a laser boat in sailing summer camp. You were the first KZbin video I came across to showed me the basic theories of sailing (model was very useful) then on the boat in the most basic way. Was great to see setting up sails, using terminology with old school manual effort while solo. Very much appreciated.

[@samholmessailing]

Best of luck!

[@halibut1249]

Great vid. You get all the basic info out there. Next we sailors need to practice practice practice. It helps too to go out with a seasoned sailor (many times if you can) and watch them maneuver the boat against the wind, and then let them watch you maneuver the boat and give coaching advice and pointers on how you can improve your technique. I remember in one of your vids, Sam, you said you picked it all up in about a week. Thanks for vid!

[@Mr.T-BAGGIN-UR-MOM]

As someone from Iowa who truly wants to sail and looks forward to days on the water, thank you for this video and further encouraging me.

[@J-Life]

Happy sail, not a flappy sail 😂 Best and most realistic sailing tutorial on YT! Thanks Sam 🙌

[@CM_STILL_PLAYING]

This is my goal this year to learn how to sail. Thank you for taking the time to help me, so I can at least know the terms and ideas

[@dkharvie]

Great video Sam… Best, most straightforward and informative how to I’ve seen. If you do another one can you explain reefing?

[@hannahholmes5861]

I know nothing about how to sail ⛵️ but im planning on learning this year. Learnt so much from this video, explained really clearly.

[@lukeh89]

The video quality gets better and better and it really shows what you know and how much you love sailing. Keep it up. I want to see more. Maybe an advanced version of this?

[@august3777]

Yes, please do more videos on sailing for beginners. Thank you for these videos.

[@fios4me]

That was your best yet Sam! Outstanding! You’ve helped a lot of us have a better understanding of how each sail and its accessories work! Looking forward to the next one! 👍

[@thehenryscottjones]

Awesome work Sam. Really enjoy your videos. It's great to see you always smiling.

[@chriskimbrough8048]

Good day Sam, I think this was a great introduction to sailing. I had no Idea how physically active sailing was and that this has great potential as a sport and leisure. Excited to learn more and get out into the water. Watching you perform sailing maneuvers was the most entertaining part of the video, The wind demonstration was the most informative, and the terminology of the boat led me wanting to learn more technical names. Great video for a beginner interested in sailing like me. Thank you.

[@BackyardAdventuring]

I just bought a sailboat and have no clue how to sail this video was so helpful

[@lorcancarroll4955]

So simple and well explained!! Great video Sam!! 🇮🇪

[@garymoore1961]

I’m 61 years and just about to start sail8mg. Great video

[@geldingmakr]

Awesome video. Thanks for making this!!! You’ve been inspiring me for a year now, I bought a 25’ O’Day just Saturday and plan to launch it Friday :-)

[@phillipobrien7365]

Well explained and not too technical. One trick to help getting the boat through tacks, is to uncleat the jib sheet, but hold it as you turn through the wind, so the sail back winds and helps push the bow of the boat around. Then when the main swings across, release it, pull in the other jib sheet and cleat off.

[@SailingFrolic]

Definitely make a series out of this, Sam! I've been watching your channel for a while and I still had no idea how to sail a big boat like yours. Glad for this video! Nobody does it like you!

[@GFH50]

Wow ! This is Awesome ! The internet needed that !! Thanks a lot ! 🙏 😃

[@ChrisDHorne1]

Thank you Sam!! You're awesome! This is so helpful! I'm hoping to learn more from you! Been watching the channel for a few weeks now and love every bit of it!

[@Caylynmillard]

Love these videos. You’re an inspiration to all the office workers out there dreaming of getting away.

[@rickyspecs]

You are a great teacher and fun to watch even for experienced sailors! That was a lot to cover in one video. For beginners it would be great to do some more bite sized videos on each aspect - rigging, points of sail , sail setting and then heading up-bearing away, tacking and gybing. Plus a ton more advanced things for later. I picked up a few teaching tips there - thanks.

[@jayt838]

Thanks Sam , I've larned more from your 34 minute video than hours and hours of other videos on KZbin. Well done and thanks again .

[@stcavato]

I've watched quite a few of your videos. Great channel and content. You are one of the main influencers in my desire to learn how to sail. Please continue the educational videos. My only request is that you add major vocabulary words on the screen via text. Me personally, I like to see the word while I'm hearing it if it's a new term. It might take too much time on the editing side, I'm not sure. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!

[@inkpenproductions3373]

You're the channel I come to for real deal boat advice. Keep doing you man.

[@davecummings6170]

As others are commenting, this is very helpful, and even though I haven’t watched the whole episode, people should know that virtually all the “ropes” on a sailboat, when referred to as a group are called “lines”. They also have a name that tells us their purpose, like “sheet” or “halyard” which are used without the word “line”. You wouldn’t say “halyard line”. According to the old salts there are perhaps only five ropes that are called ropes. They are: Bell Rope, Bolt Rope, Foot Rope, Tow Rope and Man Rope.

[@skylords2608]

Dude. Thank you so much. Very straight forward and easy to understand. Most appreciated. Happy sailing from Jacksonville :)

[@josephinef465]

This is fabulous! I am buying my first sailboat in May. So this will really help with my beginnings. I would like to see in your series something about reefing for the main and jib in stronger winds. When and how kinda. Just a thought! Thanks for your videos! P.s what did you use to catch the tuna on your Atlantic crossing lol

[@josephinef465]

Also proper anchoring!

[@allans7281]

Good video. Easy to follow. As a veteran sailor, sailing is an art- just magical to ride the wind.

[@yannkitson116]

The little play dough boat was the best illustration I have seen, way more intuitive than the books I had to do with. Great job!

[@johndoyle7436]

Thanks Sam, This was an excellent video for people getting started. From Germany I say, Danke!

[@coralgwyn-williams9933]

I am amazed by all the comments that say this is one of the best videos for beginners...I am completely lost and have no idea what you are talking about. Obviously sailing is never going to be for me. I have watched a number of these and simply have no clue. This is no critic of your teaching-only one of my lack of the ability to comprehend.

[@penguinsscareme]

My wife and I loved this, the only thing we would suggest is please, PLEEZE get a lapel mic. Love your videos, Sam!