Tacking ang gibing in strong winds or choppy seas can be a stressful experience. But even under ordinary conditions it can be difficult with too few or too many crew. Are you able to tack or gibe by yourself or with one crew member? And what do you do with guests or excess crew? Tell us about your tacking experiences then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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RREgge
Get them involved
Depending on the guests we typically get them involved if so inclined. Start off with releasing the non working line and then move to the working line and then both. Love to have them crank in the main before a jibe. Had one guest who had never sailed, but before the end of the day he had the helm for a series of tacks and did great. Dennis if you're lurking you are a natural. RREgge S/V Allie Kat
Depending on the guests we typically get them involved if so inclined. Start off with releasing the non working line and then move to the working line and then both. Love to have them crank in the main before a jibe. Had one guest who had never sailed, but before the end of the day he had the helm for a series of tacks and did great. Dennis if you're lurking you are a natural. RREgge S/V Allie Kat
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Pete Peterson
EVERYBODY works
I enjoy whipping a rookie crew of friends or clients into a sailing team. (Its the only time I get to yell at the latter!) Everyone gets a job, even if its only to pass the winch handle from one side to the other. And then I rotate them on the next tack to make them even more confused. They enjoy the relaxing sailing in between, but its the working part that gets the most comments the next time I see them.
I enjoy whipping a rookie crew of friends or clients into a sailing team. (Its the only time I get to yell at the latter!) Everyone gets a job, even if its only to pass the winch handle from one side to the other. And then I rotate them on the next tack to make them even more confused. They enjoy the relaxing sailing in between, but its the working part that gets the most comments the next time I see them.
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Geof Tillotson
"Everyone into the pool.."
Was my Dad's favorite expression when we had some task to do as a group. Or we were faced with a new and different task. I try to honor that expression everytime we're out with new folks. On our boat, who ever is in the cockpit gets to play. I may be unique though, I try and get the guests involved as much as possible right from the beginning. As we leave the mooring I will often have some small chores to do, preparing lines, stowing gear, removing sail covers etc. so I will often "invite" a guest to drive the boat while I'm busy. It only takes a minute or to to get ready, but they are instantly immersed in sailing. They learn the tiller, compass, GPS and what bouys are immediately. If possible I also let them drive the reciprical course when returning to the mooring. I usually give them the helm and do the sheet work myself when out sailing the first tack or two and then if they are so inclined I let them "Man the sheets" as appropriate. Nothing like getting them involved from the get-go. BTW - I have had two friends who just like to sit back and go for the ride. They wonder why they don't get as many invites as others. Maybe some day I'll drop a hint. Geof s/v Day-O
Was my Dad's favorite expression when we had some task to do as a group. Or we were faced with a new and different task. I try to honor that expression everytime we're out with new folks. On our boat, who ever is in the cockpit gets to play. I may be unique though, I try and get the guests involved as much as possible right from the beginning. As we leave the mooring I will often have some small chores to do, preparing lines, stowing gear, removing sail covers etc. so I will often "invite" a guest to drive the boat while I'm busy. It only takes a minute or to to get ready, but they are instantly immersed in sailing. They learn the tiller, compass, GPS and what bouys are immediately. If possible I also let them drive the reciprical course when returning to the mooring. I usually give them the helm and do the sheet work myself when out sailing the first tack or two and then if they are so inclined I let them "Man the sheets" as appropriate. Nothing like getting them involved from the get-go. BTW - I have had two friends who just like to sit back and go for the ride. They wonder why they don't get as many invites as others. Maybe some day I'll drop a hint. Geof s/v Day-O
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Lee
Even a Small Task
Since I have a small boat (21') I don't carry more than 3 plus myself, but everyone has a task to do during a tack or gibe even if its to switch sides to balance the boat or hold the extra sheet out of the way or ready to grab by the helmsman. Most often I can do everything, but everyone aboard gets much more out of the sailing experience if they are involved - and they learn more too. I've often handed over the tiller so my guests get to experience sailing 1st-hand - that's how I got my wife actively involved in sailing our boat versus her relegating herself to being just a passenger. Everyone that I've handed the tiller to has enjoyed the experience enough to want to come out again and again...
Since I have a small boat (21') I don't carry more than 3 plus myself, but everyone has a task to do during a tack or gibe even if its to switch sides to balance the boat or hold the extra sheet out of the way or ready to grab by the helmsman. Most often I can do everything, but everyone aboard gets much more out of the sailing experience if they are involved - and they learn more too. I've often handed over the tiller so my guests get to experience sailing 1st-hand - that's how I got my wife actively involved in sailing our boat versus her relegating herself to being just a passenger. Everyone that I've handed the tiller to has enjoyed the experience enough to want to come out again and again...
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Pops
More enjoyment for all
I enjoy sailing because I know how things work, usually know what to do, and understand how everthing comes together to make the magic happen. I've never looked at going sailing as a "Boat Ride". It's an activity that involves making everything work toward the goal of creating that feeling I get when it does. I assume that those sailing with me will enjoy their experience more if they start building the same knowledge. My experience is that this is true with almost everyone who comes along (the exceptions move to the bottom of the invite list). It also makes my sailing easier as I don't have to do everything.
I enjoy sailing because I know how things work, usually know what to do, and understand how everthing comes together to make the magic happen. I've never looked at going sailing as a "Boat Ride". It's an activity that involves making everything work toward the goal of creating that feeling I get when it does. I assume that those sailing with me will enjoy their experience more if they start building the same knowledge. My experience is that this is true with almost everyone who comes along (the exceptions move to the bottom of the invite list). It also makes my sailing easier as I don't have to do everything.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com
More enjoyable if they're involved
Passive crew make for either bored or scared crew. "You sit there & pull on that rope when I say so." When were just lazily sailing, I'll take the time to edumacate them on terminology. When they're not involved, they get a dazed "Is this it?" kind of look. But when we're scooting along and we make a perfect tack - ooh, their eyes light up, their chests puff out a little and their day has been made! LaDonna
Passive crew make for either bored or scared crew. "You sit there & pull on that rope when I say so." When were just lazily sailing, I'll take the time to edumacate them on terminology. When they're not involved, they get a dazed "Is this it?" kind of look. But when we're scooting along and we make a perfect tack - ooh, their eyes light up, their chests puff out a little and their day has been made! LaDonna
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Jack Kosten
I can tack alone, or with one crew member. I explain the process to guests, and they typically get out of the way. If they are willing, they participate.
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Steve
Duck!
I can tack and gibe alone in light to moderate winds but since not really set-up for single-handing I don't stray out in heavier stuff and don't bother with the spinnaker at all when alone. When there are passengers...if they understand english...they are pressed into service automatically (unless they're really good swimmers...)
I can tack and gibe alone in light to moderate winds but since not really set-up for single-handing I don't stray out in heavier stuff and don't bother with the spinnaker at all when alone. When there are passengers...if they understand english...they are pressed into service automatically (unless they're really good swimmers...)
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Dave Jackson
One or Two, ONLY
In light air, I can handle it fine alone. When it pipes up, my expert helmsperson and wife handles everything but the lines, which remain my responsibility. I find it works best to lash guests and extraneous crew to the mast and/or the stern pulpit.
In light air, I can handle it fine alone. When it pipes up, my expert helmsperson and wife handles everything but the lines, which remain my responsibility. I find it works best to lash guests and extraneous crew to the mast and/or the stern pulpit.
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David Burchette
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Larry Beavers
tack time
Well, I find that tacking alone can be difficult even in good conditions. It's actually easier to tack with windy conditiion since the boat comes across the wind more quickly. Often after a couple or unsuccessful tries I'll gybe instead. But, and a big but it is, you can loose control quickly, too if you aren't careful and plan ahead. I'm a visually sequential guy and need to see the sequence of events in my head before doing it. When I have crew onboard, they help. Tacking a O'Day 22 isn't rocket science but I find that a little practice with the crew in advance, helps out. Fortunately, my boom clears me and the crew, so ducking isn't a problem. Anyhow, if anyone has a tip or two on tacking alone on this size boat, I appreciate it. Looking forward to the spring when I can take my baby off the stands.
Well, I find that tacking alone can be difficult even in good conditions. It's actually easier to tack with windy conditiion since the boat comes across the wind more quickly. Often after a couple or unsuccessful tries I'll gybe instead. But, and a big but it is, you can loose control quickly, too if you aren't careful and plan ahead. I'm a visually sequential guy and need to see the sequence of events in my head before doing it. When I have crew onboard, they help. Tacking a O'Day 22 isn't rocket science but I find that a little practice with the crew in advance, helps out. Fortunately, my boom clears me and the crew, so ducking isn't a problem. Anyhow, if anyone has a tip or two on tacking alone on this size boat, I appreciate it. Looking forward to the spring when I can take my baby off the stands.
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Joe Ratliff
Tacking in strong winds/choppy seas
This is a complex situation which takes into account your vessels displacement, freeboard, keel configuration, hull speed, etc. In a fairly light displacement vessel (my Columbia 28-6,000 lbls.) with a fin keel/spade rudder and considerable freeboard I did the following: Match out the vessels speed to increase momentum. Have your leeward winch wrapped with at least two wraps. Put the helm to leaward as fast as possible without stalling the rudder. Let your foresail backwind which will rapidly pull your bow through the wind and the chop. Immediately after the bow has gone through the wind, release the windward winch and take up the slack on the opposite winch. If your bow chine tends to pound hard in chop, do not point too high or you will lose considerable speed and power which you need to get through the wind and chop! Practice this manuever as much as possible in a closed basin-i.e. where there is a breakwater or some kind of protection from large ocean or lake swells. You will learn your vessels and your limitations in a relatively safe environment. Then take your experience and skills out into the blue water with confidence and minimal fear-some fear is good!
This is a complex situation which takes into account your vessels displacement, freeboard, keel configuration, hull speed, etc. In a fairly light displacement vessel (my Columbia 28-6,000 lbls.) with a fin keel/spade rudder and considerable freeboard I did the following: Match out the vessels speed to increase momentum. Have your leeward winch wrapped with at least two wraps. Put the helm to leaward as fast as possible without stalling the rudder. Let your foresail backwind which will rapidly pull your bow through the wind and the chop. Immediately after the bow has gone through the wind, release the windward winch and take up the slack on the opposite winch. If your bow chine tends to pound hard in chop, do not point too high or you will lose considerable speed and power which you need to get through the wind and chop! Practice this manuever as much as possible in a closed basin-i.e. where there is a breakwater or some kind of protection from large ocean or lake swells. You will learn your vessels and your limitations in a relatively safe environment. Then take your experience and skills out into the blue water with confidence and minimal fear-some fear is good!
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Dennis Ottey
Safety of Crew is First
Tacking or Gybing are easier with our usual crew of 2. After 12 years of sailing together, we still say "ready to come about...come about. or Gybe as the case may be. When other crew or guests are present, we keep a constant knowledge of where people are and what they are doing. We announce and wait for acknowledgement, even in very light winds. Prior to leaving the doc, we always have a safety lecture with new guests that includes the importance of obeying every captain's order without delay or questioning. We are also careful not to use too much sailing lingo when guests are on board. "watch out for that Jib sheet" has no meaning to a landlubber. In our 27, we can tack or gybe single handed. The roller furling helps.
Tacking or Gybing are easier with our usual crew of 2. After 12 years of sailing together, we still say "ready to come about...come about. or Gybe as the case may be. When other crew or guests are present, we keep a constant knowledge of where people are and what they are doing. We announce and wait for acknowledgement, even in very light winds. Prior to leaving the doc, we always have a safety lecture with new guests that includes the importance of obeying every captain's order without delay or questioning. We are also careful not to use too much sailing lingo when guests are on board. "watch out for that Jib sheet" has no meaning to a landlubber. In our 27, we can tack or gybe single handed. The roller furling helps.
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R.W.Landau
Get them involved
When I have guests (which is only normally a max of 2, plus my wife)I like to get them involved right away. I normally get us motoring and then pass the tiller to a guest. Explain the tiller function to the guest and let them drive for a bit. I then handle the sail hoisting. I will normally handle the first tack to show the second guest the winches and sheets. From then on I stand in the companionway and watch for boats and BIG SMILES. Larry, I single hand quit often. I made a tiller control similar to a tiller tamer. This is priceless in my single handed sailing. I can go forward to change a jib in 10 knot winds and rarely have to run back to the tiller to steer. I tighten it just enough that the tiller stays where I put it. r.w.landau s/v Exhibit "A" 78 O'Day 25
When I have guests (which is only normally a max of 2, plus my wife)I like to get them involved right away. I normally get us motoring and then pass the tiller to a guest. Explain the tiller function to the guest and let them drive for a bit. I then handle the sail hoisting. I will normally handle the first tack to show the second guest the winches and sheets. From then on I stand in the companionway and watch for boats and BIG SMILES. Larry, I single hand quit often. I made a tiller control similar to a tiller tamer. This is priceless in my single handed sailing. I can go forward to change a jib in 10 knot winds and rarely have to run back to the tiller to steer. I tighten it just enough that the tiller stays where I put it. r.w.landau s/v Exhibit "A" 78 O'Day 25
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Bob F
Involving all crew helps
Unless its really blowing, I try to let all crew and guests who want to get involved. From handling the sheets/winches to steering the helm throught the tack/jibe. The reason? I think a "boat ride" is boring. Being active and learning a little about sailing might get someone new interested and help grow interest in our sport.
Unless its really blowing, I try to let all crew and guests who want to get involved. From handling the sheets/winches to steering the helm throught the tack/jibe. The reason? I think a "boat ride" is boring. Being active and learning a little about sailing might get someone new interested and help grow interest in our sport.
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John S. Spooner
Jibing, not a problem
Jibing is not much of a problem where I am on Atwood Lake. I do have to watch out for the boom on the mainsail so as not to bonk someone on the head, but I haul the main in and let her out as she fills on the other side and I warn people acordingly. Also, I have a crew member (if I have one) to haul the jib in so that she doesn't slam over and have him release her as she fills on the other side. This seems to be standard procedure and I find no fault with it.
Jibing is not much of a problem where I am on Atwood Lake. I do have to watch out for the boom on the mainsail so as not to bonk someone on the head, but I haul the main in and let her out as she fills on the other side and I warn people acordingly. Also, I have a crew member (if I have one) to haul the jib in so that she doesn't slam over and have him release her as she fills on the other side. This seems to be standard procedure and I find no fault with it.
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Bryan
When sailing with family or friends it is a group effort and everyone is involved. I have a Balboa 21 and it is set up nicely for a single person sail. I can tack alone wihtout to much trouble with the aid of whinchers. I enjoy the challenge of sailing alone in medium to heavy wind because it tests me and pushes the boat to the max.
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Julia
Either one
I can tack or gybe by myself or with a crew of one. With my 26d Mac either operation is simple with light to moderate wind. When the wind picks up or gusts one has to pay attention and shorten sail. When the wind is gusting I keep the main sheet in hand to make a fisherman's reef (letting the mains'l out) when the gust hits. Sailing a Mac is like sailing a dingy one has to stay alert and adjust for conditions.
I can tack or gybe by myself or with a crew of one. With my 26d Mac either operation is simple with light to moderate wind. When the wind picks up or gusts one has to pay attention and shorten sail. When the wind is gusting I keep the main sheet in hand to make a fisherman's reef (letting the mains'l out) when the gust hits. Sailing a Mac is like sailing a dingy one has to stay alert and adjust for conditions.
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Jerry Lewis
one crew racing
After racing Kudzu ('85 Capri 22 #155) for two seasons, we (just two on board usually) can tack with the best. Skippers calls 'ready about" and when crew has both sheets in hand (one coming off winch, other with two wraps around) he says 'ready.' Helm goes down, as bow goes head to wind, crew releases old sheet from winch but catches it for a couple seconds to help turn the bow around, then releases completely as he pulls in lots of new sheet around the winch. He comes up to the new high side and both he and skipper pull that last bit of genoa in. If it's really blowing, we'll cross sheet to the high side winch and crank it there (but this makes for a little more prep in getting ready for the next tack - undoing this cross sheeting). Skipper may also be trimming the traveler in very light air to bring the main above centerline with each tack - or in heavy air, to let it fall off below centerline until the boat gets back on its feet after the tack. Lots of fun and fast too! Jerry
After racing Kudzu ('85 Capri 22 #155) for two seasons, we (just two on board usually) can tack with the best. Skippers calls 'ready about" and when crew has both sheets in hand (one coming off winch, other with two wraps around) he says 'ready.' Helm goes down, as bow goes head to wind, crew releases old sheet from winch but catches it for a couple seconds to help turn the bow around, then releases completely as he pulls in lots of new sheet around the winch. He comes up to the new high side and both he and skipper pull that last bit of genoa in. If it's really blowing, we'll cross sheet to the high side winch and crank it there (but this makes for a little more prep in getting ready for the next tack - undoing this cross sheeting). Skipper may also be trimming the traveler in very light air to bring the main above centerline with each tack - or in heavy air, to let it fall off below centerline until the boat gets back on its feet after the tack. Lots of fun and fast too! Jerry
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