Points of Sail

The timed series of signals and preparatory periods leading to the start of a sailing race. The race committee uses flags and sound signals specified by the racing rules or sailing instructions. Competitors use the sequence to manage time, position and speed while observing any preparatory penalties and the starting line.

Short-term manoeuvres used to begin a sailing race in a favourable position and at useful speed. They involve time-and-distance judgement, line bias, wind, current, acceleration and interactions with other boats. Tactical advantage must be balanced against the risk of being early, trapped, penalised or forced away from the preferred course.

The prescribed route that competitors must sail during a race. It is defined by marks, required rounding sides, start and finish lines, signals and the sailing instructions. Competitors must identify the correct sequence and any changes, shortened course or gate before assuming a tactical route.

The act of turning a sailing vessel toward the wind. As the vessel luffs, the apparent wind moves forward and sails may need trimming until they begin to lift or flap. In racing, luffing can also describe a tactical course alteration, subject to the applicable right-of-way rules.

The control of heel and weight distribution so a boat remains stable and efficient. Crew position, sail force, ballast and underwater shape affect balance. In small sailing craft, moving crew weight and adjusting sail power keeps the hull at an effective angle, reduces unwanted helm and helps the foils work efficiently.

To alter course away from the wind. Falling off is also called bearing away. Sail trim must normally be eased as the apparent wind moves aft, while an unintended fall-off may indicate imbalance, a wind shift, waves or insufficient steering control.

The operation of securing a vessel to the seabed with an anchor and cable. A safe anchorage requires suitable depth, holding ground, shelter, swinging room and clearance from hazards and other vessels. The anchor must be laid and set with appropriate scope, then monitored for dragging and changing conditions.

The sector too close to the true wind for a sailing vessel to make effective progress under sail. Its width depends on rig, sail trim, sea state and vessel performance. To reach a destination within this sector the vessel must tack, alternating close-hauled courses on either side of the wind.

The reinforced tack point used to secure the forward lower corner of a reefed sail. When a reef is taken, the reef tack is brought down and secured at the boom or gooseneck so the new foot can be tensioned correctly. It must take luff and foot loads without relying on the intermediate reef points…

A gybe carried out while a spinnaker is set. The sail and its control lines are transferred so it remains correctly supported on the new tack while the mainsail crosses the vessel. The exact sequence differs between symmetric and asymmetric sails and requires coordination to avoid wraps, broaches and uncontrolled boom movement.