Sailing skills
What does Tacking mean?
Tacking is changing direction so the bow passes through the wind and the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other.
Why it matters when choosing a sailboat
It is a routine maneuver when sailing toward an upwind destination. The procedure depends on rig, headsail arrangement and crew. A boat’s ability to turn and regain speed is useful to assess during a sea trial, particularly for short-handed sailing.
A practical example
A cruiser heading into the wind may make progress through a series of tacks rather than sail directly toward the destination.
A question to ask before buying
Can my normal crew manage the headsail and controls smoothly, and how does the boat behave through a tack?
Related sailboat terms
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