need help

diverdad69 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

basically new to sailing, and have been reading all of the posts. is there a site that tells me what a cunningham, a genny etc etc are? i know there sails but when do you use them? lots more terms i need to learn so anything helps

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

Diverdad-

I'd highly recommend you get Dave Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor. It is one of the better written books and covers a pretty wide breadth of material as well. Not too expensive, about $16 at the local bookstore, less on-line.

You can also try one of the websites listed HERE.

Giulietta · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

Hey...

Try the videos made by this guy...besides they're free...the guy made them for newbies...you'll like them...skip the first one, watch it in the end...it will make more sense to you

CLICK HERE

ckgreenman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giulietta

Hey...

Try the videos made by this guy...besides they're free...the guy made them for newbies...you'll like them...skip the first one, watch it in the end...it will make more sense to you

CLICK HERE

Oh hey that guy has the same name as you

.

Very good videos btw.

kale · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008

Diverdad The Best Book For The Money Is Sailing For Dummies By Peter Isner I Got More Out Of This Easy Going Book When I First Got Into Sailing Still Keep One In My Ships Library Great Read Kg

US27inKS · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by diverdad69

basically new to sailing, and have been reading all of the posts. is there a site that tells me what a cunningham, a genny etc etc are? i know there sails but when do you use them? lots more terms i need to learn so anything helps

To answer your questions directly, the Genny is a nickname for the genoa. A genoa is a headsail, like a jib only bigger. You would use the genoa in lighter winds when you need as much sail area as possible. The cunningham isn't a sail. It's a sail control device that pulls down on the forward edge (the luff) of the main sail. Tensioning the luff of the main sail will move the deepest part of the sail's pocket (the draft) forward.

Now go watch some video's, read some books, and get sailing.