Learning to Glide: Maintaining Boat Speed Through the Tack

Reducing hesitation and keeping flow during manoeuvres

One of the biggest challenges for new dinghy sailors—especially those of us learning later in life—is keeping the boat moving during a tack. The theory sounds simple: push the tiller, duck the boom, swap sides. But in practice, the boat often stops dead in the middle, the nose swings reluctantly through the wind, and you end up wondering where all your speed went.

Good sailors don’t fight the boat through a tack. They glide through it. The boat barely loses momentum, the sails fill quickly, and within seconds, they’re charging away on the new course.

The secret? Smoothness, timing, and not rushing the parts that matter.

Here’s how to maintain boat speed through the tack on the Thames, and of course, on a River; a tack happens every 30 seconds or so.

1. Start With Speed – It Makes Everything Easier

A tack is much easier if you begin with a little extra pace.
Without speed, the bow can’t push through the wind and you end up stuck in irons.

Before tacking, aim to:

Bear away a tiny fraction to pick up speed
Trim the sail so the boat accelerates smoothly
Choose a moment with a nice steady breeze, not a lull

A tack started with momentum feels completely different from one started half-stalled.

2. The Golden Rule: Smooth Rudder, Not a Jab

A common beginner mistake is forcing the tiller over too fast.
This stalls the rudder, acts like a handbrake, and kills speed instantly.

Instead:

Push the tiller gently
Aim for a smooth, controlled turn
Watch the boat rotate, not lurch

Think of it as guiding the boat rather than asking it politely and then yanking it anyway.

3. Keep the Boat Flat Through the Turn

Heeling during a tack creates drag and slows everything down.

To stay flat:

Lean in slightly as the boat comes head-to-wind
Cross the boat quickly but calmly
Lean back out on the new side to keep balance

It feels odd at first, but a brief lean to windward stops the boat flopping about like a puppy changing directions on a polished floor.

4. Don’t Rush the Cross – Move at the Right Time

Moving too early or too late can both kill your speed.

Move early, and you throw your weight to the new side before the boat is ready, slowing the turn.
Move late, and the boat hesitates in irons.

The perfect moment is just as the boom starts to come across.
By then, the bow is already passing through the wind and the boat is committed to the new tack.

A calm, smooth slide across the boat works wonders.

5. Let the Sail Luff Briefly – Then Trim In Smartly

It’s normal for the sail to luff during a tack.
The trick is to sheet in gradually as it fills again, not yank it on too soon.

Steps:

Let the sail luff as the bow turns.
Once you’re on the new course, trim in smoothly.
Feel the boat accelerate before fully powering up.

If you trim too early, you stall the sail.
Too late, and you lose precious seconds.

6. Don’t Over-Steer on the New Course

Once you’ve completed the turn, straighten the tiller promptly.
Sailing a few degrees too high after the tack slows the boat dramatically.

Aim low for the first few seconds, building speed, then gently come back up to your chosen angle.

This single habit makes the biggest difference for many new sailors.

7. Practise “Roll-Tack Lite” for a Natural Boost

While a full racing roll tack takes lots of practice, a gentle version helps everyday sailing.

Try this:

As you start the tack, lean the boat slightly to leeward.
As you cross the boat, bring it upright with your body weight.
This natural motion gives you a small push through the wind.

It’s subtle and requires no heroics, but you’ll feel the boat glide more easily.

8. The Thames Factor – Tacking in Stream

The river’s flow can help or hinder your turn.

Tips for the Thames:

Tack in stronger wind patches, not in lulls.
Use less rudder when the stream is pushing the bow.
Avoid tacking right next to moored boats or into back-eddies.
If the bow hesitates, keep calm—wait for a puff and try again.

On the river, timing is everything.

Final Thoughts

Tacking smoothly isn’t about gymnastics or brute force. It’s about rhythm.
Build a little speed, keep movements fluid, and trust the boat to glide through the wind rather than wrestle it around.

After a few sessions, you’ll feel the difference. The tack becomes a flowing movement, the boat accelerates out of the turn, and you start to enjoy the manoeuvre rather than dread it.

pmr sailing

Tuesday, 25 November 2025