Carpe Diem Sailingvideo

Ep 44: Coming About Single Handed

November 17, 2021 · 4 min · 21K views

What this video covers

Single-handed sailors can execute a tack using either a wheel brake or an autopilot auto-tack function.0:41 When using a wheel brake, the sailor tightens the brake to hold the helm steady while moving to the cockpit to handle the jib sheets.0:50 The sailor must ensure the boat is sailing close-hauled, check for traffic, and prepare the lazy sheet on the winch before initiating the turn.1:14 As the sail luffs, the sailor releases the active sheet, moves to the new side to pull in the slack, and grinds the sheet to trim the sail once it clears the mast.1:45 When using an autopilot with an auto-tack feature, the sailor engages the system to perform the turn, allowing the sailor to focus entirely on managing the jib sheets during the transition.3:12 The auto-tack typically executes a 90-degree turn, which may require minor manual adjustments to return to a close-hauled course.3:49 Proper preparation of the jib sheets and monitoring telltales remain essential for maintaining speed through the maneuver.

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