Tactics Sailing Articles

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.

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.