Tacking Practice – Spinning and Ducking in Style

There comes a moment in every sailor’s journey when you realise the river won’t let you sail in a straight line forever. The wind, as usual, refuses to blow exactly where you want it to. That’s when it’s time to master the art of the tack.

What is Tacking?

Tacking is the graceful (well, sometimes) manoeuvre of turning the bow of the boat through the wind so that it switches from one side to the other. Instead of ploughing endlessly into the breeze and getting nowhere, you zig-zag up the river — a bit like walking a dog that can’t decide which tree to sniff next.

Why Do We Need to Tack?

Because unless you’ve secretly fitted an outboard motor (and the race committee will definitely notice), sailing straight into the wind just doesn’t work. By tacking, you turn the boat onto a close-hauled course on one side of the wind, then switch sides, slowly clawing your way upstream or upwind. It may not be direct, but it’s the only way to get there under sail.

How to Tack (Without Falling Overboard)

1. Get Ready – Warn the crew with the immortal words: “Ready about?” If they don’t answer, assume they’re sulking.

2. Push the Helm Over – Turn the tiller smoothly so the bow swings through the wind.

3. Duck (Gracefully, if Possible) – As the boom sweeps across, duck your head and swap sides. This can be elegant, or it can look like a clumsy hop — either way, it works.

4. Trim the Jib – The crew pulls in the new jib sheet quickly, or not quickly enough, in which case the boat sulks to a stop.

5. Balance the Boat – Shift your weight so the boat doesn’t heel the wrong way. Falling into the centreboard slot is not the intended outcome.

Practice Makes (Slightly Less Wobbly)

Our first few tacks were more like spins and scrambles, but with practice the moves get sharper, smoother, and — occasionally — stylish. When done well, a tack feels like a dance: helm and crew moving in step, sails filling just right, and the boat gliding neatly onto its new course.

So next time you’re zig-zagging up the Thames, remember: every tack is just another chance to spin, duck, and prove that sailing really is more graceful than it looks.