Tack

[DelCarpenter]

As an inland sailor (Iowa, mostly), I think one of Coach G's remarks is either not actually correct or is for many irrelevant: "...but the vast majority of windsurfers sail at side shore venues with marginal tides..." Even if that remark is correct about the "vast majority" (which I think is doubtful) it is irrelevant for all of the inland windsurfers. I think everybody who sails in light winds (which might be all of the inland sailors part of the time plus many coastal sailors who aren't always facing significant waves) frequently uses tacking. I do some jibing, but use tacking much more often on water. In course racing both tacking & jibing are useful; if you want to come close to winning both are required. I also sail with windsurfing rigs on 3 other kinds of surfaces. On ice, hard packed snow, & parking lots the turn that takes the most skill is tacking.

[swchandler]

Let's be frank, tacking is the way to go with a general absence or lack of dependable wind.

Seemingly, it's a very valuable skill in inland sailing venues, but in most shortboard sailing venues elsewhere, I think that few really need to depend on tacking as a necessary skill. Certainly, it's a much tougher move on shortboards.

Like I said, I abandoned tacking in favor of jibing in the late 80s, once I transitioned to shortboards. Believe me, I haven't suffered with my decision, but my focus has been on planing conditions.

[wsatl]

[wsmtbskate]

to each his/her own
I really enjoy tacking a short board, almost as much as jibing.
Still super satisfying to go full plane, hard carve upwind, and time the transition to the other side.

[PeconicPuffin]

[boardsurfr]

[wsmtbskate]

LOL, Peter.
I've seen you tack on a foil in person an you're very smooth and quick !
Better than I can tack a foil for sure.

You're thought of "I should go NOW" is so funny and appropriate, as I shout that same phrase in my head during nearly every tack still.

I'm no expert, but for me, the time to go is just as the board is starting to slow down but hasn't stopped quite yet. I'll move the sail from the raked back position to nearly upright just before this so that the momentum of moving the sail doesn't throw me off the front. I've found that as long as I can get to the other side with feet on center line, then I'll complete the tack 80-90% of the time. Doesn't matter if the board is floating, half sinking, not pointing past 12. At that stage, weighting the board appropriately to level it off plus foot steering and leaning the sail forward to point onto the new tack.

but I don't think any of this is new info to you though as it's from ABK

Btw, I'm a super light weight (alcohol dehydrogenase deficiency). Two beers will get me quite drunk.

[PeconicPuffin]

[manuel]

Lean sail farther back. Go when the board is still moving. You may use the sail touching the shin timing trigger however it may be too late. Step on the other side of the mast foot right around the mast foot.

[PeconicPuffin]