Table of Contents Outline for: Basic Class #6


This lesson will be on helming. Every participant should have the opportunity to be on the helm under sail.


• When appropriate, place a participant on the helm under main and jib. Have another participant to leeward on the jib sheet and winch watching the jib “ticks” and calling out to the person on the helm, “you’re too high” or “you’re too low. This is also a good time to explain how the jib should be trimmed to make the “ticks” fly evenly.


• Explain what the helm person should do and say to tack the boat. Have the helmsperson point to a fixed mark or area of reference that is 90 degrees perpendicular to the vessel’s course on the windward side of the vessel as a point of reference for the tack. Have a designated person look for any traffic that could impede the tack. If clear, that person is to inform the helmsperson they are “clear to tack.” State “Prepare to tack the boat” and “Tacking!” when the boat is actually turned.


• Tack the boat a few times and rotate participants on the helm. Practice. • After practice, dock, clean up, review and socialize.


D Tack Is Completed WIND WIND C


Turn Away From the Wind (Bearing away)


A Preparing to Tack


“Tacking!”or “Hard a-lee!”


“Ready!” “Ready!” B Tiller toward sail 30


Turn Toward the Wind (Heading Up)


“Ready about!”


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