TACKING ON A FLYING SCOT WITH ZEKE HOROWITZ

Video With Tips and Advice on How to Tack on a Flying Scot

Nailing a perfect tack is often the difference between getting that first cross off the starting line, sneaking it in at a weather mark layline, or being able to pinch off a boat just before the finish. Tacking your Flying Scot can have a lot of variables based on the specific conditions you’re sailing in or the exact scenario you’re in. Practice makes perfect, and as you continue to improve you’ll be able to dial in the subtle nuances of all of these variables.

There are a couple of keys to focus on and practice so that when the time comes to execute the perfect tack, you are prepared and ready to nail it!

• Try to bring the main sheet in a bit as you start to turn up at the beginning of the tack. This helps the boat turn up without using as much rudder.
• Then, ease the main sheet as you go through the tack so that the main sail is slightly eased and in acceleration mode once you get onto the new tack.
• Keep your eyes forward on the jib tell tales so that you can hit the proper exit angle.
• Get comfortable with your hand switch so you don’t feel rushed.
• Finally, understand the feel of the boat in terms of heel/roll so that you can decide when and how quickly to cross sides to keep the boat as steady as possible.

In this video, listen to North Sails expert Zeke Horowitz as he provides tips and advice on how to tack on a Flying Scot.

We would like to thank Eric Bussell and the Flying Scot Class for the opportunity to be involved in making this video.