The two-sail sailboat vigourously gliding through the water during the America's Cup trail. (Photo by George Silk//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images). The location of this image is Long Island, NY United States. Copyright: Time & Life Pictures

Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large (usually fabric) foils called sails . By changing the rigging , rudder , and sometimes centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the vessel relative to its surrounding medium (typically water, but also land and ice ) and change its direction and speed. Mastery of the skill requires experience in varying wind and sea conditions , as well as knowledge concerning sailboats themselves and a keen understanding of one's surroundings.
While there are still some places in the world where sail-powered passenger, fishing and trading vessels are used, these craft have become rarer as internal combustion engines have become economically viable in even the poorest and most remote areas. In most countries sailing is enjoyed as a recreational activity or as a sport . Recreational sailing or yachting can be divided into racing and cruising . Cruising can include extended offshore and ocean-crossing trips, coastal sailing within sight of land, and daysailing.

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