Sailing

[VelvetClover]

I've been doing some research on sailboats for a novel I'm working on but I'm not exactly an expert on the subject.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience or knowledge of sailing and how modern sailboats might differ from ones in use from say, a few hundred years ago?
I particuarly want to know what precautions sailors might take upon a boat during a violent storm at sea and the correct terminology to use for the different parts of the boat. I've tried looking online and I've got a bit of information that way but if anyone knows anything that might help me or can find a resource online that would help me I would really appreciate it and give people with useful replies +rep.
Cheers everyone :)

[Eoin247]

All recreational sail boats used to be wooden. Nowdays a lot more are being made with plastic (lasers in particular). However there are still a lot of wooden ones, i own a classic style wooden mirror myself. I prefer sailing the plastic ones as they in general tend to be easier to sail and are just as fast. Sailboats haven't changed that much really though from what i've been told. Some people actualy sail boats that are exactly the same as they were about a hundred years ago. In fact i think there are special races for these people, i forget the name of the event but somewhere in Dublin theres an annual race for this.

I know most of the sailing terminology, so if you're looking for any info with regards to this in particular just ask. ;)

[Ajthedragon]

I thought there was a race near the Isle of Man or something, although I may be wrong. I don't think they've changed much over the years, a wooden boat with a sail isn't uncommon. :P

Whats the difference between a 'Sailing' boat and a 'Yacht'? :P

[VelvetClover]

Thanks for the help guys, +rep :)

[Eoin247]

I thought there was a race near the Isle of Man or something, although I may be wrong. I don't think they've changed much over the years, a wooden boat with a sail isn't uncommon. :P

Whats the difference between a 'Sailing' boat and a 'Yacht'? :P

A yacht is a type of sailing boat i think. I usualy hear large sailing boats being referenced to as yachts, never small ones. But now days some boats that don't use sails are called yachts for some reason, it has been associated with being rich these days.

[Ajthedragon]

Ahh thanks for that! Rep+

[Chippiewill]

Sailing Boats are boats with sails

Sailing Dinghies are small
Sailing Yachts are Big.