How to Select a Sailboat Race Tactician

Possibly the most skilled position on any race boat, the tactician can make or break your regatta.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Knot Meter
• Handheld GPS Navigation System
• Binoculars
• Compasses
• Stopwatches
• Wind Gauges

1. Demand that your tactician know the rules. Good tactics are predicated on making the rules work for you.
2. Require good leadership, communication and decision-making skills from your tactician. He or she must enjoy directing the skipper and crew and should have no trouble carrying the weight of the race on his or her shoulders.
3. Choose someone with an affable personality. No one wants to work for a mean boss.
4. Pick someone who understands the sailing environment and its many variables, including crew work, weather, geography and their effects on sailboat performance.
5. Ask that your tactician be willing to help you achieve your sailing program's goals.

Tips & Warnings

• Have patience with your tactician and give him or her some leeway. Even the best tacticians make wrong calls that can cost you a boat length, a race or even the regatta.