Racing a modern day marblehead is exciting and exhilarating. They are fast and have a presence on the water…

But if you are wondering why every time you tack you are slow through the tack, that you are loosing ground. we need to think about rudder control !

Such a simple thing, but something that cannot be emphasised enough. With these big boats, speed is key and as we know the rudder acts as a giant brake. It’s all to easy in the excitement to slam over onto another tack – or to force the boat over only to end up in irons ….something that l was doing all to regularly until l was shown how to manoeuvre my boat properly !!

The key is small rudder inputs and time. The boat can glide from one tack to another. It just needs patience and practice from the operator – treat her like the lady, softly and gently. You will find you are able go through the tack with out ending up in irons. You will do it maintaining speed.

The next thing that’s also important is sheet control. Once you pass head to wind you should ease the sails slightly, build speed, then sheet in. These might seem basic but need practicing so we can gain that much needed lead. 

Happy tacking:)

RW