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.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all corporate sailing events (“Events”) organized by Team Paradise Sailing (“TPS”) for the contracting corporate entity (“the Corporation”). By submitting a deposit, the Corporation agrees to the terms outlined below.

1. Booking and Payment

1.1. Reservations must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance. A 50% deposit is required to confirm the event date.

1.2. The remaining balance must be paid no later than fifteen (15) days before the event.

1.3. Payments are accepted by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Credit card payments incur a 5% processing fee. EFT instructions are available upon request.

1.4. The deposit is applied toward the total event fee and is refundable only as outlined in Section 2 (Cancellations and Weather Policy).

2. Cancellations and Weather Policy

2.1 Cancellation by the Corporation

• Fifteen (15) or more days before the event date: Corporation receives a full refund, minus any transaction fees.

• Eight (8) to fourteen (14) days before the event date: Corporation forfeits 50% of the total event fee.

• Seven (7) days or fewer before the event date: No refund is available. However, the Corporation may reschedule the event once within twelve (12) months, subject to mutual agreement and availability.

2.2 Cancellation by TPS (Weather or Safety)

TPS may cancel or modify the event due to unsafe conditions, including but not limited to:

• Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch/Warning issued by the National Hurricane Center

• Sustained winds above 20 knots

• Thunderstorms, tropical storms, or hurricanes

• Force majeure (“Acts of God”)

If TPS cancels, the Corporation may reschedule the event within twelve (12) months, subject to mutual agreement and availability.

Note: After storm advisories are lifted, TPS requires up to fourteen (14) days to remobilize its fleet before rescheduling.

3. Program Overview and Expectations

3.1. TPS offers the following corporate sailing formats:

• Four-hour Corporate Regatta (up to three races)

• Seven-hour Racing Excursion

• Custom-tailored experience, agreed upon in advance.

3.2. Events follow the schedule outlined in the official Sailing Instructions (SI). Late arrivals may reduce the number of races. If less than two and a half (2.5) hours of sailing time remains, the event may be converted to an excursion. Participants who arrive significantly late may not be accommodated.

3.3. All participants must sign the online Corporate Participation Waiver at least twenty-four (24) hours before the event:

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/am3hacdfn7u3iwyw4417jp/web/

4. Boats and Participation

4.1. Each sailboat will include a TPS-assigned instructor/skipper.

4.2. Maximum capacity per boat is as follows. TPS may approve exceptions to these capacities when operationally manageable:

• Sonars and J/24s: Four (4) participants.

• Flying Scots: Three (3) participants.

4.3. A complete participant list with team assignments must be submitted at least twenty-four (24) hours before the event.

4.4. Corporations should consider participant body size and sailing experience when forming teams.

4.5. TPS reserves the right to adjust teams at any time for safety or operational reasons.

5. Safety and Wind Guidelines

5.1. Sailing is weather-dependent, and participation is based on wind speed:

• 5–10 knots: Participants may perform most sailing tasks

• 10–15 knots: Moderate limitations apply

• 15–20 knots: Jib sail is removed; TPS instructor/skipper helms the boat.

• Above 20 knots: Event is canceled

5.2. TPS encourages hands-on involvement when it is safe to do so. Tasks may include:

• Steering (helming)

• Adjusting sails and balancing the boat

• Navigation and timing

• Race tactics and strategy

6. Liability and Governing Law

6.1. Participation in any Event is subject to completion of the TPS waiver. The waiver releases TPS from liability for personal injury or property damage, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

6.2. These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

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.