Wind
Anatomy of a Tack
Rick White‘s Roll Tack, Illustrated by Bob Mimlitch
5 & 6
7
1 thru 4
8 & 9
10
11
12
14
13
Skipper and crew positions shown
are for light to moderate winds.
Hobie University, NAHCA
Page 10
30 Mar 02
1. If not close hauled, come up to a close hauled course (traveler in and main sheeted hard).
2. Insure your speed is up prior to initiating a tack. Don‘t pinch.
3. Insure you are clear of traffic and will remain clear during your tack.
4. Alert the crew and await their response indicating that they are Ready to tack.
5. Push the tiller smoothly and move to the rear windward corner.
6. Crew moves to the rear, uncleats and holds the jib while removing slack from the lazy sheet.
7. As the jib starts to luff, feed out sheet and fly the jib across keeping it flowing as it goes.
8. At the same time the crew takes the lazy sheet and moves across and forward sheeting the jib.
9. As the boat comes head to wind the skipper releases 2 feet of main sheet (more for unirigs).
10. Continue increasing the rudder angle and turn beyond the desired new course.
11. Straighten the rudders, pass the tiller across, move across and forward taking excess sheet.
12. Foot to accelerate and trim the sails.
13. Shift gears (with sail shape) as you accelerate and come up to optimum course.
14. Balance the boat and take care of general housekeeping.
