Learn to Sail – Tacking

Guests join Britican to learn a wide variety of skills and gain real-life cruiser experience. Learn to sail – tacking is one of the fundamental basics that we teach, practice, and improve on. Tacking is turning the boat while allowing the sails to move from one side to the other. Tacking is done while the wind is blowing toward the boat. Jibing is completed when the wind comes from behind the sailboat.

One of those sailing terms you need to know is tacking! Visit that link if you’re just starting out and are interested in what terms you need to know and how to remember them!

Tacking Terminology

Below is a short video demonstrating a simple tack with the helmsperson using the following commands:

  • “Ready about” This allows the helmsperson to notify the crew that it’s time to tack. The helmsperson will wait for a ‘ready’ response before proceeding.
  • “Helm’s a lee” This term means the helmsperson pushed the helm to the leeward side of the boat and started a tacking (turning) maneuver.
  • “Lee ho” This is when the boat is turning and the sails are in the process of moving to the other side.

Learn to Sail – Tacking Video

Did you know that one of the biggest hurdles new sailors have is to easily grasp the concept of tacking and jibing (US) / gybing (UK)? It might sound crazy because to tack or to jibe simply means to turn the boat left or right. How can that be so complicated?

For a more detailed article with a jargon-free explanation of the process, visit Tacking & Jibing (Gybing).

Learn to Sail on Britican

If you’re interested in learning to tack and want to gain a fully immersive sailing cruiser experience join Britican for a week-long learn to sail – tacking opportunity ====> Learn to sail on Britican

“Let me start by explaining that my wife & I booked a Britican Experience so that we could spend time on a liveaboard sailboat in an attempt to see what it’s like and to see if it might be something we would want to try.  We came away with a better understanding of sail trim, motoring, navigational routing, weather forecast interpreting, mooring ball retrieval, anchoring, provisioning, boat repair/service, customs clearing, and so many other little things that all add up to what gave us a real sense of what it’s like to live on a sailboat.

Our expectations were blown away.  It was exactly what we were looking for.   Simon found a way to make his guests feel like friends, while also delivering a well-polished, professional experience.

Whether you are just considering this lifestyle and want to “try it out” or you are an experienced sailor looking to add to your skillset, Simon will deliver.” Dean, Trish, & Ruby Izbraun, Portland, Oregon April 2022

====> Learn to sail on Britican

Any Questions or Comments?

Please leave them in the comments below.

Kim Brown:
Related Post

This website uses cookies.