| There are two ways to tack a sailboat: by tacking the | | | | crew move to the opposite side of the boat so their |
| mainsail or tacking the jib. Knowing how to do each will | | | | weight is on the appropriate side. As the full tack is |
| help you enjoy quick and smooth sailing. Tacking a | | | | finished you can smoothly steer the boat. Do not |
| sailboat with the right wind conditions makes sailing | | | | over-steer further away from the other side of the |
| easier and a lot more fun. Tacking your sailboat aligns | | | | wind or your boat could capsize. |
| your boat according to the wind direction. There are | | | | Tacking with the jib |
| two ways to tack a sailboat. When you master them, | | | | Tacking with the jib is similar to tacking the sailboat |
| your time out on the water will be much more | | | | with the mainsail. However, you need to complete |
| enjoyable and relaxing. | | | | some additional steps. In preparing to turn, you must |
| Tacking with the mainsail The first thing you must do to | | | | ready the jib sheets. The sheet that is released during |
| prepare for this tack is sheet the mainsail tight and sail | | | | the tack must be the one in use and the other one |
| close to the wind without losing any boat speed. Alert | | | | must be quickly brought in while the jib is crossing to |
| your crew with the traditional command "Ready | | | | the other side. You must remember to alert the crew |
| about!" when you are planning to tack so they can | | | | so they will know when to keep the other jib sheet. |
| synchronize their movements. It is important that you | | | | When the jib is blown backward during the turn, quickly |
| pay attention while in the tacking position. Your body | | | | release the jib sheet, Make sure it doesn't get stuck on |
| must be free from all ropes and other equipment so | | | | or caught in any lines. Also have someone from your |
| that you can efficiently perform the tacking action and | | | | crew trim down the other jib sheet in order for it not to |
| avoid putting the boat in a position that will blow it off | | | | flap loose which will decrease the boat's speed. Larger |
| course. When ready, alert and signal the crew with the | | | | sailboats will require a crew member to crank the jib |
| traditional "Hard alee!" command so they will know that | | | | sheet down with a winch. Just as you would when |
| you are pushing the tiller to the lee side for the boat to | | | | tacking the mainsail, you must pay close attention to |
| tack. Both the boom and the mainsail will cross the | | | | the wind attributes at all times while participating in this |
| centerline and the sail will fill the other side of the boat | | | | water sport. Ready your sail and practice regularly to |
| as it turns. So the boat can turn smoothly, have the | | | | master complete control when tacking your sailboat. |