Chapter 5


Upwind to Downwind: Intermediate Sailing Techniques


There are four fundamental sailing maneuvers: heading up, bearing away, tacking, and jibing. The details of heading up and bearing away were outlined in the previous chapter. In this chapter, we will explore the fine points of tacking close hauled, jibing and learn how to perform these maneuvers more precisely. The roles of both driver and crew will also be explained in detail. Finally, we will review what you have learned through a visual sailing course that travels upwind, across the wind, and downwind while also practicing successful tacking and jibing maneuvers along the way.


SAILING UPWIND Although a sailboat cannot sail directly


into the wind, it can sail upwind, or close to where the wind is coming from. Sailing about 45 degrees from the direction of the wind is about the closest a sailboat can sail upwind (although some high- performance sailboats can sail as close as 30 to 35 degrees).


Sailing upwind is fun and exhilarating. You can feel waves passing under the hull, wind and spray in your face.


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Table of Contents


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