In 1580, the explorer Francis Drake made history by returning to England, becoming only the second person after Magellan to complete a circumnavigation of the globe. Both Drake and Magellan accomplished this feat using sailing ships.

Over time, as sailing technology evolved, sailboats transitioned from being the primary sailing tool to becoming a fashionable water sports activity, now widely popular worldwide. Despite its popularity, there are still misconceptions about sailing.

Sailing has transformed into various forms, one of which is windsurfing—a dynamic water sport that combines elements of both sailing and surfing.

A windsurfer comprises a board, a gimbaled mast, and a sail. By manipulating the sail with the mast, participants harness wind power to propel the board on the water, steering by adjusting the wind center and the center of gravity. The sailboard's floating body is the pontoon, while a sailboat's is the hull.

True sea sports enthusiasts recognize distinctions between sailing sailboats and yachts.

Sailboats rely on wind power, representing a highly specialized sport in terms of professionalism and operation complexity.

Yachts, in contrast, are powerboats, primarily engine-driven and lacking sails. Yacht owners focus on leisure and aesthetics, prioritizing appearance, interiors, and supporting equipment.

Contrary to common belief, swimming proficiency is not a prerequisite for learning to sail. While it involves various onboard tasks, safety measures like life jackets ensure flotation, eliminating the need for swimming skills.

Fear of water should not deter potential sailors; proper equipment and selecting suitable wind conditions reduce risks.

Another misconception involves seasickness, which can affect even those accustomed to the sea. Preventive measures can mitigate its effects, such as taking seasickness medicine beforehand and avoiding greasy foods, ginger or ginger ale, and certain soft drinks.

Staying on the deck, maintaining a wide field of vision, and minimizing movement help prevent seasickness. Psychological factors also play a role; a positive mindset focused on enjoying sailing reduces the likelihood of seasickness.

Learning to sail from scratch may seem like a challenging endeavor, but with a responsible instructor, you'll be able to take on some tasks on the boat after just two or three sessions.

Initiating your journey with small boats is relatively uncomplicated, yet mastering handling larger sailboats can pose more of a challenge. Having a foundation in driving small boats greatly aids in learning the ropes of running larger sailboats.

In just a few days of learning, you'll become familiar with the equipment on the boat and understand its purposes. Under the guidance of the captain, you'll gradually integrate into the teamwork of the sailing crew.

However, after the initial learning phase, there's still much to be learned through experience. Getting started may be quick, but mastery is a lifelong journey.

Sailing has a rich history and has evolved into diverse forms, including windsurfing.

Understanding the distinctions between sailboats and yachts, dispelling myths about swimming requirements, and addressing seasickness concerns contribute to a more accurate perception of this exhilarating water sport.