Every sailor, whether just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, needs to understand how to change direction using the wind. That’s where two essential maneuvers come into play: tacking and gybing.

Though they serve a similar purpose, these techniques work in opposite wind conditions and require different approaches. One turns the bow through the wind, the other turns the stern. Knowing when and how to use each will make your time on the water smoother, safer, and more controlled.

Before getting into the step-by-step mechanics, let’s explore what each maneuver does and when you would use it.

What Is Tacking?

Tacking is a fundamental sailing maneuver used to change direction when sailing upwind. Since a sailboat can’t sail directly into the wind, it must adjust its course in a zigzag pattern, turning the bow through the wind during each change in direction.

This maneuver, known as a tack, allows the sailor to make steady progress toward an upwind destination. You need to know how to tack before attempting more advanced techniques like gybing. Let’s walk through how to tack, step by step.

How to Tack: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Boat and Crew

Before initiating the turn, scan your surroundings. Make sure there's enough space to complete the maneuver safely and check for nearby vessels, mooring balls, or shallow spots. From the cockpit, the helmsman calls, “Ready about?” to alert the crew.

The crew answers “Ready” and moves to their stations. One person prepares to release the working jib sheet, while another stands by to haul in the new one. Communication is key to staying in sync during the turn.

2. Start the Turn

The helmsman calls, “Lee-ho!” and begins turning the bow through the wind. This action turns the boat across the wind’s direction, shifting the sails from one side of the boat to the other. Start the turn slowly, then increase speed as the bow passes head-to-wind, before easing back into a straight line.

Maintaining balance during this part of the maneuver keeps the boat under control. Turning too quickly can confuse the deck or stall the boat mid-turn.

3. Manage the Sails

As the bow crosses the wind, the jib starts to luff. The crew releases the old jib sheet, allowing the sail to shift. As the wind fills the jib on the opposite side, the new sheet is hauled in and trimmed for the new tack.

At the same time, the mainsail may need a minor adjustment depending on the boat’s angle to the wind. Smooth handling of both sails helps retain speed and direction.

4. Settle the Boat

Once the turn is complete, the helmsman centers the tiller or wheel to lock in the new heading. The crew trims the sails for optimal shape and balance. Everyone moves to the windward side, shifting weight to maintain stability.

What Is Gybing?

Gybing is the maneuver you use to change direction when sailing downwind. Unlike tacking, where you turn the bow through the wind, gybing turns the stern through the wind and shifts the sails to the other side.

This maneuver allows you to adjust course when the wind pushes from behind. While effective, it requires careful control to manage the boom and avoid mistakes. Let’s go through how to gybe safely.

How to Gybe: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Boat and Crew

Check your surroundings for traffic, obstacles, or changing sea conditions. From the cockpit, call out “Ready to gybe.” Wait until your crew confirms they’re in position and ready.

Trim the mainsail by pulling in the mainsheet to bring the boom closer to the centerline. This action reduces the speed and force of the boom’s swing during the gybe.

2. Begin the Turn

Slowly turn the boat so the stern passes through the wind. Steer deliberately and maintain control as the wind shifts from one side of the boat to the other.

As the wind direction changes, watch the jib. Have one crew member release the old jib sheet while another trims the new one.

3. Control the Boom and Sails

As the stern crosses the wind, the boom swings across. Guide it with the mainsheet to prevent a sudden or uncontrolled movement. This helps you avoid an accidental gybe, which can damage equipment or injure the crew.

Trim the mainsail and jib for the new course. Keep your movements steady and coordinated to maintain speed and balance.

4. Finish the Gybe

Center the tiller or wheel once you reach the new heading. Ask the crew to make final sail adjustments and shift to the windward side to stabilize the boat.

A well-executed gybe lets you maintain speed while sailing downwind, whether on a broad reach or a deeper angle. Practicing this maneuver in calm conditions builds good habits and boosts confidence at the helm.

Tacking vs. Gybing: What’s The Difference?

While both involve changing direction, they work in opposite wind conditions and affect the sails differently. Use this comparison as a reference as you continue learning on the water.

Follow these helpful tips for tacking and gybing maneuvers:

• Watch your heading closely. Whether you tack or gybe, staying aware of your angle relative to the wind keeps the boat steady.
• Communicate early. Let the crew know what’s coming and confirm they’re ready.
• Control the sails. Manage the jib and mainsail deliberately to prevent sudden shifts or loss of speed.

Both maneuvers require focus and practice, but each one builds a stronger foundation for confident sailing.

Practice Tacking and Gybing With Sailing Virgins

You don’t build confidence by watching from the sidelines. At Sailing Virgins, you practice tacking and gybing every day in real sailing conditions, with instructors who coach you through the process while letting you take the lead.

From the first day on board, you call the maneuvers, steer through the wind, manage the jib sheet, and control the mainsheet. You’ll repeat each step with purpose until the moves feel familiar.

Here’s what you’ll work on throughout the week:

• Calling out each maneuver and confirming the crew is ready
• Steering through turns with control and awareness
• Trimming sails and shifting weight for balance
• Managing the boom during gybes to avoid dangerous swings

Sailing Virgins courses take place in top-tier locations like the BVI and Croatia, where consistent wind and open water give you the space to learn. 

By the end of the course, you won’t just understand the difference between tacking and gybing. You’ll know how to handle it with clarity, confidence, and control.

Book your sailing course today!