There needs to be a way to move a boat other than forward momentum under sail. Example, you pull up to an island too close and a large sand bar extends out from the island, blocking you from moving forward without getting stuck on it. 1. Raise anchor and allow wind direction to blow the boat in the direction of the wind, so you can drift away from the island, with favorable winds. 2. Allow "spin in place" movement under low/no sails. Which brings me...

Open Crafting window, click Key Items icon at the very bottom (hard to notice). Poles will be in there, as will everything you need to craft to get more recipes.