Whether cruising or racing, laylines are essential data. They help you figure out when to tack or gybe and make it easier to stay clear of the lines. True Wind Angle is key to getting accurate laylines.

Simply put, the layline can be represented by the Opposite Course of Tack, which is simply your current heading plus your tack angle, and gives you a new heading for the next tack, it can be compared to a compass reading that allows you to see where you should be heading after the tack.

Some chartplotters offer laylines to be overlaid on the navigation chart so that you can see exactly where the opposite tack is likely to take you relative to a waypoint, a dangerous feature, etc. You can use this tool to keep you in the favorable current, away from dangerous areas, and to better approach your waypoint.

Tacking Angle

To put it simply, your Tacking Angle is equal to twice your True Wind Angle to windward (if your True Wind Angle = 45, your tacking angle = 90). However, on simpler instrumentation systems that do not take leeway into account in their calculations, this will always be slightly off, as the boat moves sideways a bit while sailing.

The COG (Course Over Ground) is a very valuable tool here. Once you have turned to reach a waypoint, compare the COG and the Course To Waypoint (BTW) to see if you are gaining or losing windward. If they are equivalent, you are on a direct course to the mark.

No Try too hard to get a waypoint, as the boat will slow down and the leeway will increase, making the situation worse. This will show up on your instruments through a reduction in VMG. It is almost better to admit that you will not be able to get that waypoint when you thought you would, and sail at your normal angles, making one or two more tacks.

And that's all for our tips for this week, but don't miss the next chapter where we'll go a little deeper into the topic of the "Current", see you soon.