|
Don't forget to factor current into your decision making, and the possibility of better (or more favoured) breeze on one side of the course over the other.
The "keep in the middle" philosophy works well in the absence of such factors because if you commit to any one side, subsequent windshifts will either be death or of little use to you. Keeping close to the Rhumb line allows you to capitalize on a wind shift in either direction.
Almost as important as when to tack is how you tack. It's easy to gain a boat length with a slow smooth tack over a boat that is being slammed into the corners. Many people tack their boats too quickly, giving up distance to weather and overly slowing down the boat.
You've bought the right books - as you gain experience you will be better able to appreciate what they say.
|