If you sail a dinghy, high-performance centerboarder, boardsailer or other unballasted boat, you will capsize sooner or later, probably sooner. It’s just a characteristic of these boats, and folks who sail them learn to right them quickly without much fuss.

The 2019 Norwalk Boat Show sets sail on September 19-22 at Norwalk Cove Marina. As one of the largest boat shows in the Northeast, the show offers plenty to see and do. Visitors can look forward to boat handling skills and watersports lessons, along with plenty of boats for sale.

Sailboats steer by means of the rudder, a vertical, blade-like appendage mounted either on the transom (the flat surface of the stern) or under the boat. In both cases the rudder works by deflecting water flow: when the helmsman—the person steering, as likely female as male—turns the rudder, the water strikes it with increased force on one side, decreased force on the other. The rudder moves in the direction of lower pressure. As the rudder goes, so goes the stern, and the boat turns.

The 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show kicks off Oct. 30 through Nov. 3 as one of the world’s largest in-water boat shows. Use our boat show guide to help you navigate your way around the boats, the accessories and more.

Spinning off a kicker behind the boat or on a cable can be really easy if you take your time and wait for the top.

Getting started in competitive water sports is easier than you think. A common misconception is that in order to compete in any of USA Water Ski's 800-plus competitions, you need to be an expert. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

They say you always remember your first love. You always remember your first sail, too. What will yours be like? Here’s what happens during a typical sail. Chances are, the boat will be on a mooring, a heavy, permanent anchor. Boats on moorings point into the wind, ideal for hoisting sails.

The 2019 Fall Annapolis Boat Shows kickoff on Oct. 3-6 with the United States Powerboat Show, and then the following week with the United States Sailboat Show taking place from Oct. 10-14. Get ready for both Chesapeake Bay events with our boat show preview guide.

The 2019 Progressive Tampa Boat Show kicks off Sept. 6-8 and is packed full with new boats, accessories, and activities for the whole family. When you need a break from the action, use our guide to explore the local restaurant and cultural scene in downtown Tampa, FL.

When you start sailing, you’ll navigate by looking where you want to go, and going there. Some people spend their whole sailing careers that way. But it’s a good idea to learn at least basic navigation— to be able to read a chart, plot a course and steer accurately by compass. It’s easy to learn, and you don’t need much in the way of math skills. If you take a sailing course, the curriculum will include all the above, and more.