4.4 Sailing Close-Hauled and Tacking
When sailing close-hauled, or as close as possible to the wind, it is important
to get the boom as near as possible to the centreline, especially when sailing
the RS Vision XL with the mainsail and jib. The kicking strap should be firmly
tensioned for upwind work. To pull it on, quickly put the boat head to wind.
You should hold the tiller extension across your body, with a knuckles-up grip,
enabling you to use one or two fingers as a temporary cleat when adjusting
the mainsheet.
The jib sheet should be pulled in fairly hard when sailing upwind – tighter in
stronger winds and less so in lighter winds. Sail to the jib tell-tails, keeping the
one on the back of the sail streaming and the one closest to you either
streaming or lifting upwards slightly.
To tack, push the tiller extension away from you and, as the boat starts to
turn, step across the cockpit facing forwards. Once the boat has completed
the turn, bring the tiller back into the centre before sitting down on the new
side, with the tiller extension behind your back. When you are settled, swap
the mainsheet and the tiller extension into the new hands.
If the boat slows right down and feels lifeless when close-hauled, you could be
sailing too close to the wind. Ease the mainsheet and ‘bear off’ away from the
wind for a while to get the boat going again.
4.5 Sailing Downwind and Gybing
When sailing downwind, both sails should be let out as far as possible. Single-
handed sailors should adopt a relaxing, reclined pose astride the thwart area,
leaning back against the side deck. To gybe, pull the tiller towards you and, as
the boat starts to turn, step across the cockpit facing forward. Once the boat
has completed the turn, bring the tiller back into the centre before sitting down
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