Tacking

Changing from one tack to the other by turning the bow through the wind, or progressing by a series of such manoeuvres.

A single tack moves the sails from one side to the other; repeated tacking allows a sailing vessel to make progress towards a destination lying within its direct no-go sector. The optimum headings and timing depend on wind shifts, current, waves, traffic and vessel performance.

The process is not simply a fixed zigzag and each turn costs speed and distance. Lookout, sea room, crew communication and management of the boom and loaded sheets remain essential during every manoeuvre.