Recognise the difference between two turns without confusing an explanation with practical training.
3-minute read + a quick quizSaily’s illustrated sailing world · Control the boat
Both manoeuvres change which side receives the wind. In a tack the bow passes through the wind; in a gybe the stern passes through it. The boom changes sides, so follow the instructor’s briefing.
Remember these three things
01Tack: bow through the wind
02Gybe: stern through the wind
03Both: communicate first
Which end crosses the wind?
In a tack, the bow passes through the wind as the boat changes from one tack to the other. In a gybe, the stern passes through the wind while sailing downwind. Both change which side the wind comes over, but the boat travels through a different part of the wind circle.
The crew need a shared plan
Before a manoeuvre, the helm and crew communicate so people and lines are ready. The exact calls and handling sequence vary with boat and school. Learn your instructor’s method rather than trying to improvise from a diagram. Tell the helm if you are not ready or have not understood an instruction.
Respect the boom’s movement
During a gybe, the boom and mainsail can move rapidly across the boat. An unintended gybe is a particular risk when sailing near directly downwind. Remain in the instructed safe position and keep clear of the boom and loaded lines. Practise both turns with a qualified instructor in appropriate conditions.
Put it into context
You hear “ready to tack?” but a sheet is caught. Should you say you are ready?
Think it through, then reveal the explanation.
Show the explanation
No. Tell the helm that you are not ready and explain what you have noticed. The crew need a shared understanding before the manoeuvre.
Word to know: Manoeuvre
A planned movement or change in the boat’s course, such as a tack or gybe.
A quick check
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