How to Sail (for beginners)

How to sail video aimed at complete beginners to sailing. Covering how to raise the sails, points of sail, trimming the sails and tacking upwind.
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[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jrrailroad7631]

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

[@kjaubrey4816]

I was really enjoying his explanation while playing with the tiny boat. It reminded me of playing with Hot wheels or toy boats as a kid and it made me smile.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@pfflyer3381]

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

[@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

[@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 😃

[@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.

[@rb2752]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@peterbainard]

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

[@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 🤔

[@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 :)

[@allans7281]

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

[@bigcmoore]

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

[@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!!

[@J-Life]

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

[@ezman100]

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

[@c-yabugginout7573]

I WILL BE SENDING $$$ Just found you yesterday and was very excited by your calm demeanor and easy share talk. Started with part one crossing the Atlantic. I am selling everything to sail everywhere and know nothing about sailing but crossed the Atlantic on Navy ships 3 times to the Mediterranean. Ocean fishing for 40 years as well. School first, boat second then the Caribbean for a couple years to learn my boat and improve it's resources. I am 60 this June (2024) and have been around the world in the Marine Corps back in the 80's. Now it's time to see more while the mind and body are willing ; ) Thank you for helping me understand and realize more of the dream. Push off for me is 6-12 months. God speed sir.

[@samholmessailing]

Right on. Fair seas!

[@tomsailor7265]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@everettmusicdojo]

I didn't think I would learn anything watching a beginner video, but the way you coiled that main halyard I've never seen before. That's awesome!

[@patdegiorgio3624]

Best video for beginners to learn how to set up for leaving from a mooring and understanding sail trim maneuvers thru points of sail. Thank you extremely helpful

[@robertdalephillips2056]

I was a day sailor and loved it, you have a very nice show. I watch your show because at 83 I can on longer sail, but your show takes me places I've never been and brings back many found memories. Keep up the travles and expearments.

[@collarandhames]

All the best to you for posting this. I started 4 years ago, but just sailing my head sail, (which was about 135%) and getting comfortable with that. then I did the main sail. A new set of sails with a 110% jib helped me understand that the two sails have to be in balance, to keep straight, but some of you early sailors might think about just tackling one sail at a time then doing two at once.

[@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.

[@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?

[@Zootedcabooted]

I’m really interested in sailing. I actually have a fear of the ocean, and big fish. But I want to conquer that fear. Thanks Sam for making your vids. Subscribed and following your journey as I start mine!

[@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.

[@kyleop1]

A natural instructor, you account for all walks of life in your teachings. You would have a fantastic career in education. Great work Sam!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@redbarron7293]

I watch loads of sailing channels but don’t understand the terminology or techniques. This was brilliant. More please Sam.

[@svthorasailing4868]

Sam of all the channels I watch you are the only one to show the basics of sailing ⛵️ everyone else is just showing boat repairs of destination good times and dolphins,brilliant exercise.

[@choctawriverlife194]

Thank you! More beginner videos would be awesome! I don’t own a boat or live by the coast yet but when I do, I’ll be partially ready to sail. Thank you again

[@robbiemacdonald777]

Thank you Sam I’ve been following for a while. This is the video I’ve been looking for

[@timeobserver8220]

I FINALLY get it, THANK YOU! This has been by far the best how-to resource I've seen in all my searching/reading!

[@paulkopp3634]

Thank you Sam , often when experienced people teach they don’t appreciate how much there is to take in for someone with zero base knowledge and don’t go through the whys and wherefores , explain why as well as how ,keep it simple and repeat . Great content .

[@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.

[@jeffreykruger221]

Great intro to sail ! No wasteful technical stuff.

[@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!

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@jimbojet8728]

Brilliant Sam. I watched this vid before and now I enjoy it for a second time. I don’t sail, living inland and never having had anything to do with boats. I do love them though, and enjoy watching your vids. Thank you.

[@atomisum6445]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@kreativholzdesign1206]

Thank you! Bought a boat yesterday - now learning to sail!💪🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@danielmoran9902]

Sam makes it look possible, and gives you the confidence to get stuck in. Good work, Captain. X

[@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.

[@Yotrek]

I’m going to really enjoy this learn to sail series. It’ll give me the confidence to finally learn on the boats I see the 10 year olds learning on.

[@adventureswithcorrine]

Thank you for doing this without all of the sailing terminology! I have watched a lot of sailing "how to" videos and they all make it sound so darn hard! The only sailing I have ever done was on a 12meter 'racing' boat in the Bahamas on a tour. It was fun but I only knew that I was doing what the captain told me to do with my line (sheet??). It makes so much more sense seeing you do it without all of the drama that sooooo many how to videos seem to feel they need to include. Thanks again.

[@dereknolin5986]

I understand how all the terminology can be overwhelming at first! You don't need to know every word at the beginning. But I personally think in the long run it really serves a purpose. If you have to communicate with a crewmate in any kind of time sensitive situation, it helps to have very specific names for things so you don't have to say "You need to undo the rope from around the left hand side vertical round turning thing--no, your left, not my left! That's right, I mean, that's correct. No, not that turning thing, the one closer to me!" And instead you can just say "release the port jib sheet from the winch!" Knowing the names for things really helps you actually see sailboats in a different way, because then you understand what every thing does and it isn't just a random bunch of diagonal ropes running all over, even if it seems that way at first. I hope you get to go sailing again soon!

[@bf5549]

Reading the comments looks like you have quite a list of videos to do. What a great balance of getting across the essentials without sinking the viewer with terminology and technicalities. Basics and pro tips combined, a tricky task and well done. I look forward to the continuation of this part of your journey. Thanks.

[@vincentadema]

Very useful introduction for someone who has recently taken an interest in sailing and wants to prepare before next spring when I'll take up lessons. Thank you!

[@Mark-rm2fp]

You're the best brother! First video I've found with such an in depth demo. Thanks 🙏

[@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.

[@cocolt15243]

PLEASE do a second part to this video! It’s been the most helpful guid I’ve seen and the most entertaining.

[@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 :-)

[@davehoward3645]

Love his perma smile and attitude. Thanks Sam for the lesson on sailing and attitude.

[@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.

[@JoanOfArgghh]

This was awesome and you had way too much fun doing it. More, please.

[@emergmd]

Thanks for this. As someone new to sailing, I would love to see a video on docking, tying up fenders, and rigging lines while in a boat slip.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@billtrue3017]

Standard stuff sam, But well explained and your always smiling, which is a breath of fresh air.

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

Sam never disappoints, thank you sir! Keep teaching, it's awesome!!

[@shanec.7105]

Finally! Now, I am ready. This is probably the most useful and educational for me- the beginner.

[@ryanhaugland6062]

I’ve watched so many of your videos and I don’t know a single thing about sailing, so this was really great! I really look forward to more “how to sail” videos.

[@donaldbarnes647]

This video is helping me get a better understanding on sailing, I just bought a 1984 Catalina 27 and I’m really excited about learning to sail her so thanks so much helping people like me to learn how to enjoy sailing👍

[@jonkneeland]

You’re awesome Sam! Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@max_headroom_1987]

Thanks this is the best beginners guide I have found. Very well explained

[@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!

[@treywest268]

I would look forward to more videos like this. This really is a great educational video Sam.

[@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!

[@danniegrice]

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

[@hannahholmes5861]

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

[@dlfamily666]

I love how passionate you are about sailing, keep up the great work

[@pabloyvieng]

Thanks Sam, I learned something new today. When you are sailing you make it look so simple.

[@lorcancarroll4955]

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

[@aleksandarsavkovic1237]

oh ma god finally i was really excited about this ever since you mentioned it thank you for sharing your knowledge with us Sam you are the best and keep up the good work!!

[@JohnDrummondVA]

This is great, Sam! Looking forward to the next one.

[@inkpenproductions3373]

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

[@tomatobrush3283]

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

[@geraldgotts5936]

Sam, I've been watching and learning for a bit but I am so glad you decided to do this ! Yes, please do another one soon. Amazing the way you teach has got me pumped. I'm in the process of buying a 24 ft MacGregor in Florida and plan on sailing around Florida this winter. Can't wait.

[@mmccartney6579]

Great vid, Sam! You released the inner teacher in you! Cheers! :)

[@MetalTeamster]

Great vid ! I took a sailing class in 1982 in Bremerton , Wa .... part of Olympic Colleges program. I was 20 at the time, my sailing partner was a woman about 28-29 , I often wonder whatever happened to her , she was really nice and a great partner. We used 14 foot C - larks and like you mentioned , anything you do on a small boat results in a very quick response. I have not sailed since, but this vid brings back so many memories. Thanks again...

[@katpaulsen8166]

Thank you Sam!! I live in tenants harbor Maine, and this is so inspiring and motivating. I spend so many summer afternoons kayaking through the harbor staring longingly at all of the sailboats. I can learn this! I can do this! Thanks for not gatekeeping ❤️☺️

[@dkharvie]

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

[@floridasailor3732]

That should help any beginner get started. Good job. Looking forward to future steps.