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It doesn't matter where you are in the world, sailing is a great sport and past time. United">All you need is some water and you are set to enjoy a part of maritime history. Sailboats come in all shapes and sizes to appeal to almost anyone nowadays.

Recreational sailboats vary the most in size and shape. There is everything from a 5 foot wooden Pram to huge yatchs that span over 100 feet in length. Smaller boats are designed for more economical reasons. The small price tag and the agile steering make them great for learning on. Bumping and obsticle will do minimal damage to small boats because the are so light. They are also more appropriate for small lakes and rivers. When boats exceed about 20 feet, they begin to take the shape of the typical single hull sailboat. There is the rudder wheel located near the stern and a cabin that starts halfway and up towards the bow. The deck is where you access all the ropes and winches to control the sails. Most every boat has an alternate form of power in the form of an engine with a propeller. Wind power is not good for every situation and it is not always plentiful.

Racing sailboats also vary in size and shape, but the biggest sailboat race in the world sets the standard for the type of boat. Yatch racing is the most popular and most repected. They are fairly large boats at 44 feet with a single hull. The race is held every four years and the challengers are fighting to win the cup from the victor of the previous race. Other popular styles of boats to race are Cataraman sailboats that have two hulls with a deck spanning the gap between them.

Sailing is a tough sport because there is strict strategy that must be carried out through so many differnt controls. Teams practice together for years just to learn how to work around eachother. If you ask me, I'll just go cruising.