How to Tack a Sailboat

There are two ways to turn a boat when sailing, tacking and jibing. Tacking is turning the bow of the boat through the wind and jibing is turning the stern through the wind. Tacking is the usual turning maneuver when sailing into the wind. It’s fairly easy to learn but also somewhat difficult to master. The trick to tacking is learning to handle the tiller and the mainsheet at the same time.

For simplicity, we will have our boat on a beam reach--90-degrees to the wind.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check the area in which you are about to turn, especially to windward, and alert your crew (or anyone sailing close by) by saying, “Ready about.”

2. Uncleat the jib as the helmsman starts the turn.

3. Release the leeward jibsheet and pick up the windward sheet when the jib starts to flap.

4. Cross the boat, ducking under the boom, as the boat turns into the wind.

5. Sit down on the new side and sheet in the jib.

6. Keep the tiller pushed all the way over and continue through the turn until you are on the course you want, then center the tiller.

Tips & Warnings

• To know when move across the boat, watch the end of the boom and begin to move when the boom crosses the centerline.
• Remember to push the tiller all way away from you to start the tack.
• Don't rush the tack.
• Keep the tiller all the way over until you complete the turn.
• Remember to duck when crossing under the boom.
• Keep an eye on jib and mainsheets so they don't flap hard in the wind and hit passengers or crew.