Wind Shifts and More Efficient Sailing Upwind
Sail Tips from the Offshore Sailing School
Though it may seem as though the wind is steady from one direction, once you have sailed awhile you'll realize that the wind is constantly shifting direction. If you're sailing closehauled and the wind shifts toward the bow of your boat, the sails will start to luff even though the course and sail trim haven't changed. This type of shift is called a "header." It is common to say the boat has been "headed" or "has sailed into a header".
Conversely, if the wind shifts more toward the stern of the boat, you will be able to point higher than before (sail more toward the original wind). Such a wind shift is called a "lift". Though most shifts are small, 10° or less, for the purposes of clarification, we'll exaggerate the shifts in the diagrams.
Figure 2 shows a large shift hitting a boat on port tack. In fact it's so large a header that the wind is pointing right at its bow and the sails would be completely luffing. To respond to the shift and to keep the sails full, the skipper has to fall off to the new heading shown.
Figure 3 shows a wind shift in the opposite direction, a lift for a boat on port tack. Note that the boat is now heading more directly toward the desired destination upwind, so a lift is a helpful wind shift.
A wind shift while sailing close hauled requires a change of course. When reaching, a lift- a shift toward the stern - means the sails may be eased, whereas a header - a shift toward the bow - necessitates trimming the sails to maintain the original reaching course.
Figure 4 shows boats on opposite tacks, one on starboard, the other on port, receiving the same large wind shift. Notice that a header for a boat on port tack is a lift for a boat on starboard. Since the lift helps you sail closer to your destination, normally a skipper will change tacks when headed, particularly if the shift is a large one. When racing, sailors almost invariably tack when headed if they want to win.
Reprinted from "Fundamentals of Sailing, Cruising, & Racing.
by Steve Colgate; published by W.W. Norton & Co.
Steve Colgate is the founder of Colgate Sailing Schools, with locations in Tortola BVI, Captiva Island FL, Duck Key FL, St. Petersburg FL, Chelsea Piers NY, Liberty Landing NJU and Newport RI.
Offshore Sailing Schools
16731 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida 33908
1-888-454-8002
239-454-1700
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