Tacking
Tacking is a maneuver sailors use when they want to sail against the wind. The vessel turns its bow toward and through the wind so that the wind direction shifts from one side of the boat to the other, allowing progress in the desired direction.
When wind is blowing from behind, a sailboat captain can position the sails to catch it.
Just open the sail a bit, and it inflates.
Poof.
The boat accelerates.
Tailwinds make for smooth sailing. They’re fun while they last.
But winds shift and destinations change. And at some point, every sailor feels the wind on their face instead of their back.
A headwind.
In a headwind, we can’t sail directly at our destination. This is where novice sailors get stuck.
But a skilled sailor knows progress is possible, even when she can’t sail in a direct line.
She tacks.
She turns the bow toward and through the wind. The wind catches part of the sail and pushes it toward the destination. Not directly, but at an angle.
She zigs.
Then the captain shifts the bow toward the other side of the boat so the headwind catches the backside of the sail.
And she zags.
She makes progress against the wind by adjusting the sails. Zigging and zagging.
Tacking.
To a novice sailor, the wind seems like it matters more than it really does.
The best sailors don’t hope for better winds. They focus on becoming better sailors.
