Sailing is a rewarding activity that combines an understanding of physics, navigation, and nature. Whether for sport or recreation, it offers a unique sense of freedom and a connection to the environment.

The Basics of Sailing

Sailing is the art of using wind to propel a vessel across water. It requires a fundamental understanding of how to use sails to harness wind power, generating both lift and drag to move the boat. The most common form of recreational sailing today is on sailboats, which can be monohulls (one hull), catamarans (two hulls), or trimarans (three hulls).

Key Components of a Sailboat

To understand how to sail, you first need to know the basic parts of the boat.

• Hull: The main body of the boat that floats in the water.

• Keel/Centerboard: A fin or plate on the bottom of the hull that provides stability and prevents the boat from being pushed sideways by the wind. A keel is fixed, while a centerboard or daggerboard can be raised and lowered.

• Mast: The tall, vertical pole that supports the sails.

• Boom: The horizontal pole attached to the mast that extends along the bottom of the mainsail.

• Rudder: A flat piece at the stern (back) of the boat used for steering. It is controlled by a tiller (a stick) on smaller boats or a wheel on larger ones.

• Sails: The fabric structures that catch the wind. The two primary sails are the mainsail (the large triangular sail behind the mast) and the jib (the smaller sail in front of the mast).

• Lines: On a boat, "ropes" are called "lines." Halyards are lines used to raise a sail, and sheets are lines used to control the sails.

Essential Sailing Terminology

Familiarizing yourself with the language of sailing is crucial for communicating on board.

• Port: The left side of the boat when facing the bow.

• Starboard: The right side of the boat when facing the bow.

• Bow: The front of the boat.

• Stern: The back of the boat.

• Windward: The side of the boat closest to the wind.

• Leeward: The side of the boat furthest from the wind.

• Heeling: The term for when a sailboat leans over in the water due to the force of the wind on its sails.

• Tacking: A maneuver used to turn the bow of the boat through the wind to change direction.

• Jibing (or Gybing): A maneuver used to turn the stern of the boat through the wind to change direction.

Points of Sail

Sailing is all about understanding how to position the boat relative to the wind. The "points of sail" are the different directions a sailboat can travel in relation to the wind.

• "In Irons": The "no-go" zone directly into the wind, where the sails are not filled and the boat cannot move.

• Close-Hauled: Sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the sails trimmed in tight.

• Close Reach: Sailing at an angle slightly away from the wind, with the sails still trimmed in.

• Beam Reach: The most efficient and fastest point of sail, with the wind coming directly over the side of the boat. The sails are let out to a nearly perpendicular angle.

• Broad Reach: Sailing with the wind coming from behind the boat at an angle.

• Running: Sailing directly downwind, with the sails let out as far as possible to catch the wind from behind.

Basic Sailing Knots

Knowing how to tie a few basic knots is a fundamental skill for any sailor. These are often called "bends" or "hitches" depending on their function.

• Bowline Knot: Used to create a secure, non-slip loop at the end of a line.

• Cleat Hitch: A quick and reliable knot for securing a line to a cleat, often used for docking.

• Clove Hitch: A simple knot for temporarily attaching a line to a post or rail.

• Figure-Eight Knot: A "stopper" knot used to prevent a line from slipping through a pulley or other fitting.

Sailing Safety

Safety should always be your top priority on the water.

• Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD).

• Check the Weather: Be aware of weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.

• Don't Drink and Sail: Alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents. Stay sober and sharp.

• Learn and Practice: Take a sailing course from a certified instructor. This is the best way to learn proper techniques and safety procedures.

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to other boats, obstacles, and the wind and waves. Be especially careful of the boom, as it can swing with great force during a jibe.

Corporate Event Terms Overview

Welcome to Team Paradise Sailing! We look forward to delivering a seamless, high-impact sailing experience for your team. Below is a quick guide to how our events are organized and managed.

1. Booking & Logistics

• Advance Booking: Events must be booked at least 45 days in advance.

• Payment Terms: A 50% deposit secures your date, fleet, and staff. The remaining balance is due 15 days prior to the event. (ACH/EFT preferred; credit card payments incur a 3.5% fee).

• Participant Waivers: All guests must complete our online waiver at least 24 hours prior to set sail.

2. Cancellations & Rescheduling (Client-Initiated)

• 31+ Days Notice: Full refund (less a $300 administrative fee and transaction charges).

• 15–30 Days Notice: Deposit is non-refundable, but 100% applies as a one-time credit for an event within 12 months.

• 14 Days or Fewer: 100% non-refundable, as vessels and professional captains are fully committed to your group.

3. Weather & Safety ("Captain's Call")

Safety is our top priority. The TPS Captain/Program Director holds sole authority to adjust, delay, or cancel events based on real-time weather conditions.

• Rain or Shine: Events operate in rain or overcast weather. We may apply up to a 90-minute delay to allow passing weather systems to clear.

• Safety Triggers: Events are canceled if sustained winds exceed 20 knots (gusts 25+ knots), lightning is within 10 miles, or official storm warnings are issued.

• Safety Cancellation Options: If TPS cancels an event due to unsafe weather and it cannot be rescheduled during your trip, you choose between a 100% event credit valid for 12 months OR a 50% refund (retained portion covers committed harbor fees, charter costs, and crew labor).

4. Fleet & On-Water Experience

• Capacity: Standard setup is up to 4 participants plus 1 professional TPS Skipper per boat (Sonars, J/24s, J70s).

• Hands-on Sailing:

  • 5–15 Knots: Full, active participant involvement.

  • 15–20 Knots: High-energy sailing; the TPS Skipper will helm the boat for optimal safety.

• Punctuality: To maximize race and sail time, please arrive on schedule. Client delays that reduce sailing time below 2.5 hours may require converting the event into a shore-side sailing seminar.

Acceptance & Acknowledgment

Corporation Name: _________________________________________________________________

Authorized Representative: _________________________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

WHAT TO EXPECT (ATTACHMENT B)

Corporate Events at Team Paradise Sailing (TPS) offers two options: the four-hour Corporate Regatta and the seven-hour Racing Excursion.

Adhering to the timeline is a priority for TPS, so please arrive at the venue on time. Per the Sailing Instructions, TPS needs four hours to run three races and execute the Corporate Regatta format. If TPS is limited to three hours due to the absence of corporate Guests, either by design or force major, only one race might be completed. If TPS has less than three hours to execute the event, sailing will be limited to a short excursion.

Corporate events are intended to be fun and safe team-building experiences. Each of our boats can hold a maximum of four corporate guests. TPS requires the corporate guests to submit a signed participation waiver 24 hours before the event. TPS requires the corporation to provide a list of all participants, preferably 24 hours before the event, and suggest a team of up to four corporate guests for each boat. Considerations when selecting the teams include prior sailing experience and body size. For safety reasons, TPS may change the team configuration at any time.

Sailing is a sport exposed to the elements. The wind conditions are variable. Ideal wind conditions range from 5 to 15 kn. TPS intends to make the experience as interactive and hands-on as possible for the corporate guest. If the wind range is 5 to 10 kn, the corporate guest can perform most of the tasks required to sail the boat. If the wind range increases to 10 to 15 kn, The tasks will be slightly limited. The tasks will be further restricted if the wind range is sustained between 15 to 20 kn, and the Jib sail may be eliminated. If the wind range is 15 to 20 kn with gusts above 20 kn, there will be main sail only, and the coach aboard will helm the boat. The corporate guests will always be able to help sail the boat by adjusting the sails, balancing the boat, navigating, and timing the start. Sailing will be canceled if the wind range is sustained above 20 Kn.

• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

• Refillable/reusable water bottle (filling station at sailing center)

• Performance t-shirt or light long-sleeved shirt for added sun protection, shorts or light long pants for added sun protection (ensure clothing allows for free movement)

• Non-marking sports shoes with non-skid soles

• Towel/personal hygiene kit (shampoo, etc., for a shower at the end of the day)

• Change of clothing (casual wear for evening meal)

• Loose jewelry like necklaces or bracelets

• Rings

• Expensive (non-waterproof) watches or time-pieces

• Clothing that cannot get wet / you’d prefer not to get wet

• Clothing that does not allow for free movement in tight spaces

• All necessary charts and navigation equipment

• Lifejackets and safety equipment

• All equipment required to sail the boat

• Medication. We are unable to dispense medication, so please bring any seasick remedies or other over-the-counter or prescription medications (including epi-pens) with you.