Before you start
Gather the appropriate supplies and review the specific equipment manual.
- Open practice area
- Helm and trimmer briefing
- Appropriate PFDs
Step-by-step instructions
Choose safe sea room
Look for traffic, shoals and obstacles and ensure the new course will remain clear.
Brief the crew
Identify the working and lazy jib sheets, who releases and who trims, and the commands you will use.
Build steady forward speed
Make sure sails are drawing before starting the turn so the rudder remains effective.
Turn steadily through the wind
Ease the old sheet as the headsail loses load and trim the new one as it fills on the opposite side.
Settle on the new heading
Trim both sails and check helm balance, speed and traffic on the new tack.
Safety note
Keep hands clear of loaded sheets and winches; never step through a loose line loop during a tack.
Key takeaway
Clear commands and a controlled rate of turn make tacking easier than brute force.
Keep this job on your maintenance schedule
Save the topic as a maintenance task, choose a due date or engine-hour target, and record future service. Free and stored on your device.
Add to my maintenance plannerThis guide is for general education. Follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions, current navigation guidance and applicable marine safety standards. When uncertain, use a qualified marine professional.