SHORT-HANDED SAILING

PIP HARE ON TACKING

PRO SERIES

In the sixth part of a double-handed sailing series, Pip Hare has tips for upwind performance when sailing two-up 

Beating can be one of the less challenging points of sail for a double-handed team.

If the boat is well balanced with an appropriate sail plan, the autopilot will steer efficiently and one person can manage the cockpit while the other relaxes, banks sleep or, on longer voyages, manages cooking and maintenance. In poor weather only having one person on deck at a time ensures the crew can take time to get dry and warm between watches. There are, however, times when it is useful to have both sailors on deck when sailing upwind and in the next two parts of this series we’ll focus on these times and techniques; starting with tacking, then looking at reefing and active upwind trim next issue.

The secret to an efficient short-handed tack is good timing. Without the help and power of additional crewmembers it’s essential the jib comes in quickly and does not load up before the bulk of the sheet has been pulled in. This means it is best to hand steer when tacking so the helmsperson can adapt their rate of turn to match the progress of the jib.

THE HELM

Set the mainsheet traveller before the tack. For simplicity and in moderate conditions pin it into the centre of the track. In windy conditions or for more speed out of the tack set to the optimum position for your new tack. Ease the mainsheet slightly before tacking. This will both allow you to sail deeper for a speed build post tack, and will help prevent the boat from getting stuck head to wind should you lose all speed during the tack.