How to Sail Like a Pro - Five Steps to Better Tacking When Short Handed

When you first learn how to sail, you had a lot of sailing crew to help you out. Tricky maneuvers like tacking or jibing were a snap. But what happens when you have to tack up a narrow channel all by yourself--singlehanded? If you want to learn to sail like a sailor, you'll want to practice maneuvers like this under sail! Follow these five easy steps on your way to master the art of short-handed sailing.

Singlehanders have their hands full with sailing, lookout duties, and navigation. You can learn to perform complex maneuvers like tacking or jibing with careful preparation and execution. Remember, we are talking about cruising sailboats here, not small, easy to maneuver sailing dinghies. In a larger sailboat, it always starts with preparation.

1. Prepare the Traveler and Windward Winch

In light to moderate winds, keep the mainsheet centered along the traveler track. Insure that both track stops are tight and in place on either side of the mainsheet car. That way, when you tack, the mainsheet car will remain centered.

In heavy air, you will have the mainsheet several holes downwind along the traveler track. Duplicate this position on the windward side now. That way, after you tack, the mainsheet car will slide (or you can give it a push) downwind to the same relative position on the opposite side of the track.

Prepare your headsail for tacking. Wrap the lazy sheet two times around the windward sheet winch. This prepares the sheet for grinding and the wraps will save you time once you make the tack.

2. Set Your Over-the-Shoulder Mark

Stand up; position your body with your shoulders perpendicular to the centerline of the boat. Without moving your body, turn your head and look over your windward shoulder. Pick a "steady up" point. Because most boats are able to tack through 90 degrees, this simulates the approximate point you will look for to "steady up" on after your tack. Tacking causes a momentary loss of orientation. Picking a reference point ahead of time will make tacking as easy as 1-2-3!

3. Conduct a 180 Degree Scan 2X

Often forgotten, you must make a complete half-horizon scan from the bow to stern on the windward side of your boat--before you tack. Check for boats approaching from upwind, boats off the windward beam that may present a problem when you steady up, and boats approaching from astern. Do this twice--not once--twice. It takes but seconds, but adds volumes to sailing safety.

4. Face Forward Throughout the Execution

Singlehanders should face forward at all times when tacking for sailing safety. This way, you can maintain a lookout throughout the maneuver. This will also help you retain much of your orientation and you will find your "steady up" point faster.

5. Scan Again and Fine Tune

Complete the tack, steady up on your reference point, sheet the headsail to the best of your ability, and make a second scan. At this point, do not go for perfect trim on the headsail. You must conduct a quick, second scan, but this time make a full 360 degree scan. After you see that you are clear and have room, complete the trim of the headsail.

Make sheeting in the headsail easier if you allow the boat to head up a bit. Once the headsail luffs, it will relieve tension. Sheet the headsail leech to within 1" to 2" of the leeward spreader. Next, find that fine, razor edge that puts you right on the wind. Fall off just enough to fill the mainsail. Steady on a new reference point (if necessary). Now your boat should accelerate like a young full-blooded stallion full of vim and vigor!

Learn how to sail like a pro when you become proficient in short handed maneuvers like tacking and jibing. You will become a more highly confident and skilled sailor--wherever in the world you choose to cruise.



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