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Tack

Verb: To change the direction of a sailing vessel by turning its bow through the wind, allowing the wind to shift from one side of the sail to the other.

Noun: The course or direction a sailing vessel takes relative to the wind, specifically when sailing at an angle to the wind.

In sailing, “tack” is a fundamental concept that refers to both a manoeuvre and a vessel’s orientation relative to the wind. As a verb, to “tack” means to change direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind. This is done when a vessel is sailing upwind, and the wind is coming from ahead of the boat at an angle. Since a sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind, it must zigzag, or “tack,” back and forth to make progress in the desired direction. The process of tacking involves steering the boat so that the bow passes through the wind, shifting the sails from one side of the boat to the other.

As a noun, “tack” refers to the specific course or direction the boat is sailing relative to the wind. A boat can be on a “port tack” or a “starboard tack,” depending on which side the wind is coming from. On a port tack, the wind is coming from the port (left) side of the boat, while on a starboard tack, the wind is coming from the starboard (right) side. Tacking is essential for efficient sailing, especially when navigating upwind, and requires careful coordination between the helmsman and crew to ensure smooth transitions and maintain speed.

Alternative Meanings:
  • Tack

    The lower forward corner of a sail, where it is secured to the boat or rigging. 

    The tack of a sail is the point where the luff (leading edge) and the foot (bottom edge) meet, typically attached to the boat or rigging. On a mainsail, the tack is secured near the mast, while on a headsail, it is fastened near the forestay. The tack's position is crucial for sail trim and overall performance. 

    The term tack is also used to describe which side of the boat the wind is coming from. A vessel on a starboard tack has the wind coming over its starboard side, while a port tack means the wind is coming over the port side. This distinction is important for rules between sailing vessels.