How to Tack a Sailboat

Tacking a sailboat is an essential skill in the sport of sailing. Since sailors are at the mercy of the wind (and wind direction), you need to know how to tack expertly in order to sail an upwind course. While it's not the easiest thing, tacking can be mastered with some knowledge and practice. Follow these steps to tack a sailboat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Prepare your tack. Getting ready to tack a boat is a little like setting up a mathematical equation. You need to assess exactly where the wind is coming from, if there are other vessels in the area and where you want to execute the tack. Put all these variables together to figure out how much time you have to adjust the boat's speed and get the crew ready.
2. Get the crew ready. If there are other people on the boat they need to know that you're preparing for a tack, if only for them to be able to watch their heads as the boom swings across the boat. Tell them that you're preparing to tack and give an estimate in time or distance to the tack.
3. Execute the tack. If you're clear of other vessels and have a solid speed, call out "Tack ho!" or "Helm to lee" and firmly ease the tiller toward leeward (towards the sails). Let the bow of the boat turn through the wind and gradually ease the angle on the tiller so you don't overturn.
4. Reset the sails. As the bow of the point crosses through the wind you need to change the sails to the new tack. Release the jib and sheet it in on the new leeward side. The main sail should be fine, unless you need to adjust the traveler setting.
5. Make sure the tack went well and the boat is in the clear. You should keep your eyes on the water and surrounding traffic throughout the tack. Take a look around to make sure there are no vessels on your new course and then proceed to trimming your sails to maximize your point of sail.