Sailing Article Database

The tactician is arguably the most important person on a boat... often even more important than the helmsman. This article from Scott Nixon of Quantum Sails goes over some tips for performing the role of tactician well.

If you compete in an off-shore event, then you certainly should know how to use your polars to help you get from point to point fastest. You will be able to determine optimal angles for given wind speeds, as well as which sails to choose for given conditions.

Ever notice how it always seems like the good sailors seem to get to the front in every race? Truth be told, it is not always easy for these teams, and they often have to sail through the pack to get to the front. This article from Hobart coach Scott Ikle touches on some of the tactics involved in getting back into a race.

This is a nice article written for North Sails which provides some arguments for using a compass. Many people don't realize the full benefits of using a compass for tactical decisions until their compass is taken away from them.

If you can read and understand all that is covered in this article, then you will surely be a step ahead of the rest of the fleet. You may need to read this more than once, in fact, if you sail in inland lakes you should probably read it five times or more, but once this stuff sticks into your noggin you'll be in good shape.

In my humble opinion, this is a great article and analogy from Sailing World. This article covers some basics of applying risk management strategies to your upwind sailing tactics. Really, the same management principles that apply to much of life and business also apply to the race course. If you have trouble deciding when to tack or in general in making decisions on the course, this article's for you.

This article is really two things. First, it's a tribute to a phenomenal sailor who tragically lost his life last year. Second, it is a good reminder of the importance of sailing the lifted tack.

Everyone who sails on your boat should be able to effectively call puffs. This is a great Sailing World article going over some of the finer points of what can actually be a pretty tricky art.

This is a lengthy, but very informative Sailing World article describing sea breeze scenarios in detail. Not all sea breezes are created equal, and knowing how to handle each type will greatly improve your finishes.

This Sailing World article by Moose McClintock goes over some ways to approach your windward mark rounding plan. There are a lot of gains to be made immediately after a mark rounding, so having a plan and being able to adjust and execute is essential.

Winning the pin at the start can give you a huge advantage. You are able to foot off and get your bow out on the competition, and can control the left hand side of the course. This article from Betsy Alison gives some pointers on how to win the competitive pin end.

Picking the correct side on the first beat can really define your race. Choose wisely, and you'll be rounding the windward mark in good shape. Choose poorly, and you'll be fighting your way through the fleet the entire race. This article by Gary Jobson goes over some of the factors to consider when developing your strategy.

This is an easy to read article going over some crossing and ducking scenarios that you may encounter on the race course. It's good to know which strategy to apply, so ready up and be sure to have a full arsenal of moves ready.

This is an article from Sailing World, written by top American Laser sailor Andrew Campbell. This article touches on just about everything you need to know if you want to sail a laser properly. Detailed description of the rigging is followed by some tuning suggestions.

Some advice on when to sail your own race and when not to.

The only accurate way to measure subtle differences in speed is by comparing yourself with a similar boat that is sailing nearby in the same conditions. So find another crew who would also like to work on speed, and go sail together. Here are some frequently asked questions about setting this up:

This is a great article by Steve Cockerill of Rooster Sailing. He tries to demystify the art of using your compass, and in my opinion he succeeds. This will be one to read and re-read.

Article by Terry Hutchinson for Sailing World, describes when one should go into footing versus pointing mode. Must read for the serious racers.

Hobart/Wm. Smith coach Scott Iklé shares a number of ways to improve your average score, from smart starts to conservative upwind tactics.

From David Dellenbaugh's Speed&Smarts, an articles discussing some of your options as a port tacker when approaching a right of way starboard tacker.