The objective of this simulation is to develop the student's ability to understand and use laylines when sailing toward a windward mark.
A layline is the course sailed on a tack that will take the boat directly to the Windward Mark. The student will learn to recognize when to continue sailing and when to tack to make an efficient approach to the mark.
When sailing upwind, the boat cannot sail directly toward the wind. Instead, the sailor sails on one tack and then the other to make progress toward the windward mark.
The layline is the point where the boat has reached the limit of its current tack. If the sailor continues past the layline, the boat will sail beyond the mark. If the sailor tacks too early, the boat will also have to sail extra distance.
The goal is simple: tack at the right time so that the boat reaches the windward mark efficiently.
See the layline and learn how it relates to the wind, the boat's heading, and the windward mark.
Understand why tacking too early or too late makes the approach less efficient.
LearnThe layline is hidden. Use the wind, your heading, and the position of the mark to decide when to tack.
Make repeated attempts and learn from your results.
PracticeSail without the layline or other assistance. Decide for yourself when to tack.
Your goal is to make an efficient approach to the windward mark.
Take the ChallengeDon't ask, "Am I close to the mark?" Ask, "If I tack now, will this tack take me to the mark?" The layline is the answer.