Why We Change Direction

You already know there is a no go zone.

The no go zone is about 45 degrees on each side of the wind.

Think of the wind like 12 o’clock on a clock.

If the wind is coming from 12, we cannot sail between 10 and 2.

That space between 10 and 2 is the no go zone.

If we point the bow there, the sail will luff.
Luff means the sail flaps because it has no wind power.

When the sail luffs, the boat slows down.

So if we want to sail toward the wind, we must zig zag just outside of that 10 and 2 space.

To zig zag, we change which side of the boat the wind is coming over.

When the bow turns through the wind, that is called a tack.

When the stern turns through the wind, that is called a gybe.

Remember:

The wind is the engine.
The lines are the gas pedal.
The tiller guides the boat.

Today we use all three to turn with control.