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

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

Some plotters offer laylines overlaid on the navigation chart so 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 stay in the favorable current, away from dangerous areas, and to better approach your waypoint.

Tacking Angle

Simplifying, your Tack Angle is equal to twice your True Wind Angle to windward (if your True Wind Angle = 45, your tack angle = 90). However, in simpler instrumentation systems that do not consider leeway to make the calculations, this will always be slightly incorrect, since the boat moves laterally a little while we sail.

The COG (Course Over Ground) is a very valuable tool at this point. Once you have turned to reach a waypoint, compare the COG and Course to Waypoint (BTW) to see if you are gaining or losing windward. If they are equivalent, you will be following a direct course towards the brand.

No If you try too hard to get a waypoint, the boat will slow down and the wind will increase, making the situation worse. This will show up on your instruments through a reduction in VMG. It's almost better to admit that you won't be able to get that waypoint when you thought, and sail at your normal angles, making one or two more tacks.

And that's the end of our advice for this week, but don't miss the next chapter where we will delve a little deeper into the topic of the “Current”, see you soon.