Europe Dinghy Analysis #mozzysails

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I tried learning how to tack backwards. Apparently it's a favoured technique for Europe sailors, so I wanted to see the effects it had on my tacks.

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As a Contender sailor I probably forgot how to tack facing forwards :-D. One aspect I found to be important is consciously deciding where to look at during the tack. For example quickly checking for traffic to new leeward while under the boom, while standing up already rotating the shoulders to check the sail an wind indicators as early as possible.

cstroganov

In albacore sailing some of us (skippers) also tacked facing backwards, while our crew tacked facing forwards. This allowed us also the ability to keep eyes on the course and boats around us while tacking. Useful in match races.

FrederickKoehlmann

Interesting, as a learn to sail coach who works hard to have kids learning the forward facing behind the back switch technique to see this suggest I should be more open to kids doing what feels comfortable to them.

thomasparrish

That brings back good memories! That's how I used to tack with the tiller extension.

Spartan

Interesting! Will try on my Finn next time I go out. One difference I spot is that backwards the tiller extension is earlier on the right side and less at risk of getting caught under the boom. But that could be changed. I also wonder about your experience with roll tacking. You are putting your forward foot to lee before initiating the tack. Can you quickly windward heel and still get your foot to the other side? Or is it more a medium wind tack? So many questions…

TheDigger

Am I the only one that sees the labels are swapped. If today is Opposite Day, I didn’t get the memo.

MPG

On the facing forward method, you’ll have a much easier time getting the tiller around if you slide your mainsheet hand along the sheet and do the hand exchange while you hop up to flatten as you get into the toestrap. It’s quite an effective method of dealing with long tillers like that (like in an ILCA too)

nickchesemore

Absolutely agree. I always tack looking backwards and am forever told off by ‘experts’ that I can’t see when the boat is on the wind on the new tack. Well I’m on the other side before we get into the perfect position on the new tack…

SuperReasonable

I always did this as a kid, especially with a old Topper where the main sheet was aft. Never got out the habit despite coaches trying to instruct otherwise, I could just do it faster this way.

sambrannan

Is the boom slightly higher towards the clew end so by facing forwards more headroom so easier to stay on your feet rather than kneeing so you can hike quicker on the new side?! Also when racing you may need to see other boats if beating upwind on the first leg? All looks good to me!

henrycartwright

Funny but i always did what you have just shown, Port forward and Starboard backward... I dont know why that when i was at my fastest, it was always this way..

zachcreech

Hardest thing facing backwards is knowing when to stop turning. It was suggested to me that feeling the breeze on my a... hairs would tell me where the wind was relative to my vessel's direction. You might use the wind on your arms (triceps) given how much you're wearing but it's the point where your luff stops flapping that should guide you. How do you identify that while facing backwards.

abatesnz

Certainly against the "standard" techniques taught around the world, but "standard" are only that way until someone uses a different technique and wins, then everyone is on the "lets do it that other way". Fast methods are proven, until they are beaten. In your technique, need to maximise the "pump" at the end (this is what roll tacks are all about) .... boat needs to be heeled right over (as close to capsize as possible), then pulled back upright, noting that at that moment apparent wind angle also moves "aft" briefly during the pump, so having the sheet off a little bit is a good thing.

sailSIM