So you want to learn to sail a square-rigger? Here is one of the best visual explanations of the basics that I have come across, courtesy of the full-rigged ship Sørlandet. Part 1 looks at the sails & rigging.
How to sail a Full-Rigged-Ship – The Sørlandet Part 1
Great idea Rick. One hopes that you run all the episodes they are much needed. This should teach all those “armchair seafarers” how it really works when under square-rig so different from a power-driven vessel. I was fortunate growing up that one of my Dad’s Senior Master (he managed had three ships) was a British Extra Master in both Sail and Steam who took time to instruct me. He also gave me his nautical library which I still have in the bookcase behind me as I write this.
Good Watch.
This is great, Rick. Many thanks.