By Poul-Richard Høj-Jensen · BDA Magazine 2005 Annual, p. 14
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A short tip on port–starboard crossings upwind. If you are on starboard because you want to go that way and a port-tack boat cannot cross, the advice is to wave her through and, if necessary, ease the sheet and dip her. Forcing her to tack sends her the same favoured way, where she will slow you down and may force you onto the tack you did not want. Many sailors lose out by getting carried away with their rights.
When you are sailing on starboard tack, you do so simply because you wish to go in that direction of the course. My advice, when a boat is coming on port and cannot cross, is to wave him through and if necessary ease the sheet and dip.
If he tacks, he will go into the same “favoured” direction, and will slow you down; possibly forcing you to tack, in a direction you did not want to go.
You will be surprised how many sailors get carried away with their rights and make this mistake on the racecourse.
Originally published as “Technical Tips 6 – Fleet Racing” in the BDA Magazine 2005 Annual. © Poul-Richard Høj-Jensen and the British Dragon Association. Reproduced with permission.
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