CHAPTER 6 CLOSE HAULED AND UPWIND SAILING
E Refining Upwind Sailing E Roll Tacking
REFINING UPWIND SAILING
Close hauled sailing is the position defined as closest to the wind. Inside of being close hauled, there are some subtly different positions that allow you to increase and improve your upwind performance—depending on the wind and wave conditions.
A boat can be sailed high when you are sailing close hauled, to a point closer to the wind and perhaps even entering into the edge of the No-Go Zone. Pointing high, however, depletes the sails of good wind flow and slows the boat down. A boat can also be sailed on the low side of a close hauled course, almost down to a close reach position. When sailing low, a boat has increased wind power in the sails and will sail faster, but you sacrifice pointing toward the wind as a result. Usually, sailing a high or low close hauled course is done temporarily to sail above a mark (high) or in anticipation of the wake from a powerboat (low).
THE GROOVE: As you steer upwind, you will react to changes in wind speed and direction by steering the boat either toward or away from the wind, while keeping the telltales flowing back smoothly. The groove is the course between the high and low side of close hauled, when you are making the best speed and achieving the highest pointing angle toward the wind.
When you are in the groove the helm is neutral, the telltales on the jib are streaming on both sides and the boat is sailing at the correct angle of heel. Far from a compromise, when sailing in the groove the boat just feels right.
PUFFS AND LULLS: A beginning sailor reacts to changes in the wind’s velocity or direction. An intermediate sailor should try to anticipate changes in the wind and then make adjustments in weight placement and sail trim for better boat performance. Keep an eye upwind and on the surface of the water to anticipate changes. Look for wind indicators upwind that provide clues about the wind’s strength and direction. The way sails are trimmed through puffs and lulls will directly impact the way a skipper steers. The impact of a puff, which causes a boat to heel and round up, can be minimized by easing the sails (usually just the mainsail). Conversely, trimming the mainsail back in while exiting a puff will keep the boat properly powered.
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