The ingredients for a successful sailing trip include recruiting enough people to crew. For a large yacht, the ship's company needs to contain a minimum of three. You will require an experienced 'skipper' when chartering a large keeler yacht, but you and your friends can easily become the crew.

Sailing a yacht is a rewarding experience. The chance to pit yourself against the elements, 'splice the mainbrace' and 'shiver your timbers'. But before struggling with that elastic eyepatch, a sailing novice might check out the following tips.

The mysteries of sailing begin to unravel as soon as the 'fresh tar' steps aboard ship this process is known as 'learning the ropes'. First you will be fitted with an adjustable life jacket - gas inflated ones are good because they really don't get in the way when you're operating equipment. Many skippers also insist you wear boat shoes on deck so be prepared to invest in a new pair of white-soled sneakers.

Knowledge of a little nautical jargon might also be useful. For instance, you could be told to 'bring the sheets in' despite ideal drying-conditions on deck. Confusing but 'sheets' are the ropes joined to the sail. Similarly, trimming, hoisting, grinding and toasting are all part of a successful day out on the water.

Trimming requires no sharp scissors, just a tug on the 'sheets' to adjust the sail to the optimum angle to catch the wind. Hoisting describes both pulling your pants up and raising the sail. Grinding can involve moving your hips but it is more usually applied when you need to 'bring the sheets in' fast during a critical manoeuvre like a 'gybe' or 'tack'. Then there's 'shrouds' and 'spreaders' ñ no we wont even go there.

An experienced skipper will anticipate problems or opportunities before they happen, so following instructions is a good idea. When a skipper says jump you must do just that, unless it's over board in which case he's probably a pirate. Keep alert for any telltale signs that might indicate this is the case.

Once your boat is anchored you are free swim around a boat, fish, snorkel or sunbath on deck. It is actually relatively easy to find a secluded destination in New Zealand and by following a few simple rules you will find a skippered charter provides some of the best boating New Zealand has to offer. And toasting? Well, that involves raising a well-earned glass at the end of the day.

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