Confused about the word “tack”? Learn the three meanings of tack in sailing — from sail corners to boat direction — and how to spot them onboard.

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⛵ 1. The Tack Is a Sail Corner

The tack is the front bottom corner of any sail where the leading edge meets the foot. It’s where the sail is usually attached near the mast or deck.

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🚢 2. Tacking: Turning the Boat Through the Wind

When you steer the bow of the boat through the wind, changing direction so the wind switches from one side to the other, that action is called “tacking.”

✔ For example: if the wind is on your left (port side) and you steer the boat so the bow passes through the wind to the right (starboard side), you’ve made a tack.

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🌀 3. The Tack: Which Side the Wind Is On

The word “tack” also refers to which side the wind is blowing onto when you sail a steady course.

✔ If the wind blows onto the port side (left), the boat is on a port tack.

✔ If the wind blows onto the starboard side (right), the boat is on a starboard tack.

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📍 How to Tell Which Tack You’re On

Look at the mainsail and boom:

✔ If the boom is on the starboard (right) side, the wind is on the port side — so you’re on a port tack.

✔ If the boom is on the port (left) side, the wind is on the starboard side — so you’re on a starboard tack.

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📚 Don’t Worry if It Feels Tricky

These basics are covered thoroughly in the RYA Competent Crew Course and will soon become second nature once you’re out on the water.

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🏆 Ready to Learn More? Understanding key sailing terms like tack is the first step toward building confidence at sea.