Tacking is a sailing manoeuvre that allows a yacht to move upwind, even though it cannot sail directly into the wind. Instead of heading straight toward the breeze, the yacht progresses in a series of angled courses, which together create steady forward movement.
How tacking works:
A sailing yacht has a no go zone directly in front of the wind, an angle where the sails lose power. To overcome this, the yacht sails as close to the wind as possible on one side, then turns through the wind and continues on the opposite angle. This repeated zigzag pattern is called tacking.
Why sailing upwind requires angles:
When the wind comes from ahead, the sails work more like wings than simple cloth catching air. At a slight angle to the wind, they create lift and pull the yacht forward. By maintaining this angle on alternating sides, the yacht makes real progress toward a destination that lies upwind.
What the manoeuvre feels like:
During a tack, the yacht turns its bow through the wind. The sails flap briefly, then fill again on the opposite side. The boat settles into the new angle, and the pattern continues. From a guest’s perspective, tacking feels like a gentle, controlled change of direction.
Why tacking matters:
Tacking makes it possible to reach places that are directly upwind. Without it, a sailing yacht would only be able to travel with the wind at its back or from the side. The manoeuvre is therefore fundamental to navigation, racing and everyday cruising.
Practical points for guests:
When a yacht tacks, the deck angle may shift slightly because the wind now presses on the opposite side. Crew members adjust the sails so they work efficiently on the new course. Moving calmly and holding on when needed keeps everything comfortable and safe.
Tacking is one of the core techniques that make sailing feel both methodical and elegant. It shows how a yacht can travel against the wind by using its power intelligently rather than confronting it directly.
Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Croatian coast with our exclusive yacht charter service. From picturesque fishing villages to vibrant coastal cities, Croatia offers a variety of destinations waiting to be explored. Our top-notch sailing yachts are ready for your unforgettable sailing adventure, whether on an elegant sailboat or a luxurious motorboat. Experience the freedom of the sea and the fascinating history along the Adriatic coast with our premium yacht charter in Croatia. Hire a yacht in Croatia-Hire a boat from Split-Discover Croatia with a catamaran charter
Experience the ultimate sailing adventure with our yacht charter service in Greece. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Aegean and discover the countless islands and bays that this fascinating country has to offer. From luxurious catamarans to classic sailing ships, our fleet of high-quality luxury yachts is ready for you. Enjoy unforgettable moments on board as you experience the beauty and charm of Greece from the water.-Request a yacht charter in Greece -Hire a catamaran and explore Greece
Your dream holiday begins with the organisation of your yacht charter and consists of finding the perfect offer for you, whether motor yacht, sailing yacht, catamaran or gulet, we offer you a large selection that meets your wishes and ideas. Discover your dream yacht for yourself on our portal! We will also be happy to advise you and recommend the ideal yacht charter for your needs. If the yacht of your dreams is not listed on the website, we also have other alternative offers. Due to the large number of sailing yachts, motorboats and catamarans, we can only offer a fraction of the charter yachts we offer online.
In order to find the ideal yacht for you, we only need the most important factors such as the size of your travel group, your approximate budget, your preferred destination and the desired travel time. We will then send you a suitable selection of yacht charters and fulfill your wishes so that you can embark on your dream trip. Enjoy unforgettable experiences on your luxury yacht charter holiday, tailor-made for you at Best Choice Yachting.
At Best Choice Yachting - Yachtvermietung, our goal is to exceed our customers' expectations. The experiences of our delighted customers last a lifetime. You are welcome to read some of our customers' reviews. Yachts are our passion and we have made this passion our job. That is why we are convinced that we can offer you the best luxury yacht charter experience in various countries.
United Arab Emirates
Spain
Greece
Croatia
Italy
Turkey
Montenegro