sailing has played an integral part of human development throughout history -  allowing for trade, transportation of passengers and goods, fishing, warfare, and sport, sailing is intertwined in most cultures around the globe. preliminary sailing vessels were canoes dug from trees - later on, palm leaves were added to help harness the wind for extra speed.

large sailing vessels were known to exist in ancient egypt, transporting goods along the nile, and across the mediterranean sea. although sailing predates written history, the first known races were held in holland during the 17th century.