Started Sailing

Roll Tack

by Joris de Man
(The Netherlands)

I've got a question about roll tacking. Is it really the fast way to tack and how can I do it right, with my one person boat?

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Hi Joris,

You can find everything you want to know here: http://www.startedsailing.com/tacking.html

But just to reiterate, here is how to roll tack:

• First heel the boat to leeward to increase turn rate as it naturally turns the boat into the wind as well as pushing the tiller extension away from you



• Next, when the sails back, put your weight onto windward to heel the boat and drive it round naturally



• Finally, come back up and give the boat a pump, to try and increase your exit speed

Best regards,
Alex