Tacking: Topper & Laser

This is how you execute the tiller extension "flip" Tack in a Topper. This also works for the Laser.

[gregbeneteau]

super helpful. there's nothing like watching the sequence on land with a good camera angle to help understand the tack. thank you!

[mopedinthemalverns]

This video really helped me through RYA 1 - thanks! The RYA way is slightly different in that you push the tiller extension away and swap sides with it pushed over. You straighten the tiller after you have swapped sides. Your pulling the extension towards the mast saved me many times when I got totally confused - it happens! When the boat is going round in circles and the sheet is wrapped around your ankles that microphone trick is a capsize-saver. Thank you again - liked and subscribed.

[TracyWHI]

Thanks Andrew- loved how you broke this down!

[liangjie]

wow, this is so helpful! I just got a 40 years old Lockley Sea Witch which the main sheet comes from the stern. but all your break downs are really helpful for me to prepare for tack. thanks.

[AmosS]

Great video. Just try to fix the audio in the first 10 seconds - I almost skipped it because I could hardly hear it.

[patriciawhiffen]

Always look all round before you tack!

[michelleeruiz]

Can you do a video for the RS quest please!! Pretty please!!!

[brettdense]

Super helpful. Just watched a bunch of videos on tacking and this was the most helpful by far. Thanks!!

[morzee]

Very clear instruction and will work no problem in light winds. Just bear in mind though that you really want to be moving across the boat at the same time as the boom to balance the boat. That means you’ll have to straighten up with the tiller extension behind your back. A laser will capsize if you try to straighten up before moving across in moderate plus wind.

[jill]

Such a simple explanation but a game changer!!! "pull the tiller extension towards the boom and it straightens the rudder" I really struggled with getting the tiller straight again after a tack, this is such a simple way to remember how to do that. Thank you

[unakovacevic]

I just started sailing in a Laser, this helped me a lot since tacking in Optimist is a bit different, thanks!

[falexchina]

Thanks a lot! Very helpful for beginners!

[hr]

When I learned to sail in the 80s, the mainsheet of a Topper was pulled from the stern of the boat, not off the boom. We just had our tiller extension and mainsheet on the same side when we tacked. And it was much simpler. Happy days!

[iaing]

Great way of explaining this. My little boy has been struggling and this video explains it much better than others and me clearly.