What does "sailing" mean?

Sailing: (Naut.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing. Note: For the several methods of sailing, see under Circular, Globular, Oblique, Parallel, etc. Sailing master (U. S. Navy), formerly, a warrant officer, ranking next below a lieutenant, whose duties were to navigate the vessel; and under the direction of the executive officer, to attend to the stowage of the hold, to the cables, rigging, etc. The grade was merged in that of master in 1862.