MAKING THE TURN

If your crew is having trouble with tacking, these tips will help make the maneuver a whole lot easier.

- GARY JOBSON F V

BOAT HANDLING

Tacking a sailboat through the wind is one of the great joys of sailing. For a few seconds, everyone aboard the boat is engaged, whether steering, trimming or moving across the deck. A racing crew will practice the routine of crisp tacking to avoid losing ground to the competition. The cruising sailor can make the most of this maneuver by tacking with preparation and care.

The world's top helmsmen turn the boat slowly to keep momentum. The faster you turn a boat, the more it will slow down. Crews don't like being surprised by a boat that is suddenly turning without any warning-especially those working below, say, with a pot tumbling off a stove.

A cadence should be followed leading up to, during and after any tack. The skipper should let the crew know well in advance that a tack is being contemplated. Everyone on board should prepare to perform a specific job.

The sail trimmer needs to check that the jib sheet is ready to run. The new sheet should have two turns on the winch and be ready for trimming.

The mainsail trimmer needs to make sure the traveler is cleated in its proper position so that it doesn't go careening across the track. I recommend easing the jib sheet early. Backing a headsail slows a boat and makes it hard to trim in on the new tack. Let out the jib just before the sail starts to back. The turning boat will help move the sail across to the new side of the boat. As the jib starts to fill, add turns of the sheet onto the winch.