Wide In, Tight Out – The Perfect Mark Rounding
If you’re learning to race a dinghy, there’s one golden rule you’ll hear over and over:
Wide in, tight out.
It sounds like driving advice — and it is. But on the water, this principle can mean the difference between gaining two boat lengths or losing five, and we are the experts at losing five or more places, but rarely at the mark, because by then all the other boats have passed us.
So What Does It Mean?
As you approach a mark (a buoy you must round during a race), the temptation is to cut in close early. Don’t.
Instead, come in wide, giving yourself room to manoeuvre. As you round the mark, tighten your turn so your exit puts you on the next leg, trimmed and pointing in the right direction, with speed.
The goal?
What Happens If You Go Tight In?
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You lose speed.
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You’re forced into a sharp turn that kills momentum.
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You often exit wide, leaving the door open for boats behind to sneak in.
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You risk collision or protest if you interfere with boats inside the zone.
Why It Works
The “wide in, tight out” technique:
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Gives you space to accelerate out of the turn.
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Helps you keep the boat flat and powered up.
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Reduces rudder overuse, which causes drag.
This technique is especially important on windward marks, where traffic builds up and clear air is hard to find.
Practice Tip
Next time you’re out training, set a buoy and approach it multiple times from different angles. Feel the difference between turning tight early versus giving yourself room.
If you’re sailing with a crew, communicate! A smooth mark rounding is a team effort — with sail trim, weight shift, and tiller control all working in sync.
Final Thought
Most gains and losses in a race don’t happen on the start line — they happen at the marks. Learn to round them well, and you’ll find yourself overtaking even faster boats.
📖 More racing tips and adventures at: https://pmrsailing.uk
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