How to Gauge Tacking Angles When Sailboat Racing
Calling lay lines - no matter how good you are - involves a little guesswork. If you know your tacking angles, you stand a better chance of sailing the shortest distance to the mark.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Calculators
- Handheld GPS Navigation System
- Sailing Magazines
- Black Ink Pen
- Pads Of Paper
- Binoculars
- Compasses
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1
Practice sailing upwind on your closest beat settings, as if you were racing.
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2
Take a compass heading and landmark.
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3
Execute a racing tack, then head up to your beat settings, keeping them constant.
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4
Take your new compass heading and landmark.
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5
Repeat steps 1 to 4 as many times as possible, writing down the difference in compass degrees between each tack.
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6
Average the degree difference to determine your approximate tacking angle.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Work on establishing your tacking angles during a practice session where you have time to be thorough.
Determine tacking angles for different types of sails, sea conditions, and wind velocities and write down your results for quick racing reference.
Watch for current and wave action that can increase or decrease your tacking angle on any one tack.
Keep a sharp lookout for wind shifts up the course, as they can allow you to tack earlier or force you to over stand the mark.
