Key learning points
Tacking allows you to turn the boat around by turning across the wind.
A series of tacks is called beating and allows you to sail towards the wind.
The wind has a zone about 45 degrees either side of where it’s blowing from that you
can’t sail.
This is called the no go zone.
When sailing towards the wind you should be sailing on a close hauled point of sailing
with the sails pulled in hard and not flapping.
Before tacking you should be sailing as close as possible to the no go zone.
Small tiller movements not large ones.
Identify a new target destination before you start your tack to stop you getting disorientated.
Check the area is clear from obstructions, only tack if it is clear.
Good communications between helm and crew is vital.
Effective grip and hand swapping techniques with the tiller and control sheet is one of
the key factors to successful tacking.
Release a bit of mainsheet before you tack to slow the boat down and make it easier to
get under the boom.
Lead with your back foot to ensure that you face forward throughout the manoeuvre.
Duck under the boom to move onto the new side.
Straighten the tiller.
And then swap hands.
And resume the dagger grip once more.
Pull both sails back in tight.
Find the close hauled point of sailing once more.