WinWind
Chapter 7 · Tacking
How to Tack a Windsurfer: Beginner Step-by-Step
Turn the nose through the wind
Tacking — step by step
What is a tack?
Tacking: turning the nose through the wind to the other side.
Beginner method: as the nose reaches the wind, step around the front of the mast.
Head up first
Rake the rig back and head up to close-hauled (about 45–55°).
The closer to the wind, the easier the tack.
Tack!
Keep the rig back. When the Tack button lights up, press it (or Space).
On the new side, rake forward to bear away, then sheet in.
Watch out: backwinded
If the nose passes the wind and you don't switch sides, the wind hits the back of the sail (backwinded) and knocks you over.
So step around the mast before you pass the wind.
Quick quiz
- Around the front of the mast ✓ Answer
- Around behind the clew