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When we go sailing, we have to DO a bunch of stuff. In order to get things done, we need to KNOW how to do them, which entails knowing the words for the things we do and things we do them with.
Let's assume you already know at least a dozen funny boat words and you've already been part of the sailing action. Let's make sure that you know what we are trying to DO so you can take a better part in the action!
The very first time you sail, unless you sail all the way across the river and stop at the shore over there, you will have to turn around.
"Tacking" is a turn, but a sailboat is not tacking everytime it turns.
This boat is turning but it is NOT "tacking."
Don't be confused by the various ways the word 'tack' is used... a boat is on a tack (in this diagram, on starboard tack because the wind is on it's starboard side). This boat is turning, but it is not tacking. It's not using thumb-tacks either !!
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The first step is to make sure everybody is ready, so the skipper gives the preparatory command "Ready About." (translation: this boat is going to tack, so get ready and report back). The crews' jobs including acting as lookout, and in small boats, keeping the boat as level as possible. When TACKING the crews' job will be to shift the jib sheets (link), also.
The crew reports "Ready" and the helmsman (the skipper on small boats) will put the tiller -towards- the sail. The boat turns bow-to-wind or head-to-wind and will stop if it does not continue to turn until the sails fill on the new side.
Let's look at TACKING in real life
With a fixed reference point, it's easier to see the boat turning. Here is one of our Javelins sailing along, close-hauled on starboard tack (make sure you know what that means!).
The wind is blowing from right to left in this photo. At this point, with a dock close ahead, the crew should be ready to tack.
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The skipper tells the crew "Helm is a-lee" meaning that the tiller is over and the boat is beginnning to turn into the wind
If the boat stops turning at this point, it will coast to a stop and then drift out of control
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The boat continues to turn.
At this point, the skipper & crew should be shifting sides. The crew should also be getting ready with the new jib sheet, having already released the old jib sheet
If the boat stops turning at this point, or if the sheets are not being handled correctly, it will coast to a stop and drift out of control. How do we know this is what will happen? Because we have done so, many times!
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Sails are full on the new tack... boat is sailing again, now close-hauled on port tack.
Congratulations! You have now TACKED a sailboat.
This is one of the primary skills of sailing, and we are looking forward to practicing for real, out on the water!
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