Igor Stropnikvideo

How to Sail in 3min

July 11, 2025 · 4 min · 678K views

What this video covers

Steering a sailboat involves using the rudder to change direction and adjusting the mainsheet and jib sheet to control sail tension.Watch Sailing upwind requires tacking, a maneuver where the boat turns through the wind at a 45-degree angle.0:36 During a tack, the mainsail self-tacks, but the jib sheet must be released on the old side and tensioned on the new side to maintain proper trim.0:51 As the point of sail shifts from upwind to downwind, both sails require progressively more release.2:07 Sailing directly downwind can cause the jib to collapse in the mainsail's wind shadow; this is corrected by wing-on-wing sailing, also known as a butterfly configuration.2:39 Changing direction while sailing downwind is called a jibe, which involves turning the boat so the wind crosses the stern and the boom swings across the cockpit.3:02 Proper awareness of the boom's movement is essential to avoid injury during a jibe.4:01

Watch on YouTube

More from Igor Stropnik

Hobie Cat, 15 days & 1200kmJun 2026Lagoon 51 Catamaran - 2700nm France to CroatiaJun 2026Life Jacket TestJun 2026How to sail a Catamaran in 2 minMay 2026

From Igor Stropnik — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue