How to Round a Leeward Mark in Sailboat Racing

Whether you're headed to the finish line or going for another lap around the course, you'll want to have a clean rounding and maintain your boat speed for the upwind leg.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sailing Gloves
• Deck Shoes
• Course Chart
• Race Instructions
• Handheld GPS Navigation System
• Binoculars
• Sailboats
• Winch Handles

1. Read the race instructions to see whether there are any special mark-rounding procedures.
2. Look at the course chart to make sure you are rounding the correct mark.
3. Approach the mark with your jib ready for upwind sailing and your spinnaker down and stowed.
4. Adjust your backstay, outhaul and halyard tension for upwind sailing while you are still sailing downwind.
5. Take the mark wide at first, and then come in tight to the mark as you point the bow upwind.
6. Trim your sails evenly throughout the turn to their upwind settings.
7. Move your crew smoothly across the deck to the high, windward side.
8. Drive the boat for speed first, and then begin to point more upwind once boat speed has peaked.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn the boat smoothly. A fast or sharp turn will burn off too much boat speed.
• Stay wide and then tight to avoid sailing past the mark.
• Avoid hitting the mark unless you want to round it a second time.