200 seamanship secrets
commands that everyone finds easy to remember. Explain the importance of
the three-part structure of any tacking command: prepare, answer, execute.
The helmsman needs to tell the crew he is preparing to tack; the crew needs
to answer that they are in position and ready; and the helmsman needs to
then execute the tack.
The following old-fashioned commands follow the prepare-answer-ex-
ecute pattern: the helmsman’s “Ready about?” prompt; the crew’s answer of
“Ready”; and the skipper’s command, “Hard alee!” But I’ve found it best not
to insist on these old-style commands; I’ve seen novices get so tongue-tied
they forget to tack altogether! Let the crew work it out among themselves. As
long as they have the prepare-answer-execute structure in place, things will
work well. I’ve seen simpler exchanges work out just fine, such as: “Ready?”
“Ready!” “Here we go!”
Show the headsail sheet trimmers how to allow just a bit of backwinding
before releasing the jib and trimming it to the new leeward side. Doing this
helps swing the bow through the wind quickly. Explain to the helmsman
how, before tacking, to first look directly abeam to find a reference point to
line up on once she has tacked; then turn the boat onto the new tack. Point
out the importance of keeping the jib luff full and without flutter on the new
tack. With only seconds until the next tack, you’ll want to get up to speed
quickly.
MOVE TO THE CONDUCTOR’S PLATFORM
As skipper, it is best to call the shots from a spot near the bow, away from
the cockpit activity. First, take care to select your boat driver. Make your
choice based on three things: good reflexes, the ability to follow directions
without hesitation, and good concentration. Now you’ve found your ideal
short-tack boat driver.
When you feel that the crew has things down pat, move to the bow. This
gives good visibility as a lookout, keeps you out of a crowded cockpit, and
puts you in the best position to handle emergencies. The skipper stays at or
near the bow and performs four functions on each tack:
- Looks out for shoals and boats. (Position: bow, holding onto forestay or
pulpit.) At the bow, you have the best spot on the boat to see how much
distance is left on each tack. Th e helm and crew have the disadvantage of
being way back in the cockpit. - Directs the helm by arm signals. (Position: bow, holding onto forestay or
pulpit.) Extend one arm straight out and help direct the helm to keep the jib
luff full and drawing without fl utter. You must do this to build up enough
speed to get the bow through the wind on the next tack.