Play to sail: the wind shifts, a lift or a header will affect your boat

Yes, it does: the wind shifts. This is important when sailing racing because it creates an opportunity to gain distance on the opponent boats or it will influence your losses.

Wind shifts are a main strategic and tactical factor.

How best to manage to sail the wind shifts steering your radio sailboat

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

Sailors say that a boat can be "headed" or "lifted" because a wind shifts can interfere in different ways on the direction the boat is sailing. 

The lift

If your boat is sailing upwind, the wind is lifting when its direction changes shifting from the bow toward the stern.

This usually is a good shift, because your boat will head more upwind: it will allow you to head up few degrees with the lift and to keep a direction more close to the the weather mark while racing.

If you don’t need to luff and go higher to point your destination upwind, when your boat encounters a lift, just trim the sails: release a bit them to gain speed mantaining the direction.

When your boat is running downwind, the wind lifts when it changes direction by turning towards the stern.

It is usually a negative shift. If you’re mantaining your run dead downwind, a wind lifting will force your sails to gybe, or you will have to head up away from your route to stay on the previous tack.

If your point of sail is a reach, if the wind changes direction lifting, you will have to ease the sails – this means also that your boat will sail slower downwind.

The header

If your boat is heading upwind, header occurs when the direction of the wind shifts towards the bow.

Encountering a header, the sails of your boat will start to luff. You will have to accommodate for the new wind direction by steering: you need to bear away few degrees your route, so, this means that a header will force you away from your destination straight upwind.

Since a header is a shift that heads your boat more downwind, you need to tack your sailboat in headers to sail straight up the course toward the windward mark. If a boat is sailing on a heading tack, by tacking it will sail in a lift on the opposite tack.

When your sailboat is running towards a point straight downwind and the wind shifts towards the bow, you will be able to sail at an angle that will point your boat closer to your destination. At the very least, a header will allow the dead downwind sailor to be sailing on a deep broad reach. If, during a reach, your bow is pointing towards the mark, to trim in the sails is all that’s needed with a header.

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Focus: 

When radio sailing, you can’t rely on the compass or landmarks to determine a wind shift. So, to detect if the direction of the wind is changing, you will relate your position to the other sailboats.

If the direction of the wind is steady, both port or starboard tacks are exactly equal. When a wind shift occurs, one tack becomes more favorable: a header on one tack is automatically a lift on the other.

Look at the opponents boats: how much they are lifted or headed?

In case of differences, consider that one tack becomes more favorable than the other. If you’re sailing upwind, a boat lifted sail more closely in the direction of the weather mark than the other boats do.

If the opposite tack your boat is sailing becomes more favorable, you should consider tacking. 

Try to sail on this more favorable tack as the wind shifts back in a header, then the opposite tack becomes the more favorable route.

Your goal upwind is to sail each tack when it is lifted. By sailing the lifted tack, your boat will sail a more direct route to the weather mark.

Remember to have a long and a short perspective view of the wind conditions.

Stay focused on sailing well in the wind you have (immediate effects) and to manage it at your best - i.e. when your boat encounters a gust - but try to anticipate the wind changes (short terms effects) - like puff or lull - and be prepared to react to them, by proper steering and trimming the sails.

Always consider how is better to position your boat: due to the direction of the wind or its changes or for a better wind pressure in relation of the opponent boats and the next mark.

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Docksta is the landmark for Baltic Sea cruisers in the Höga Kusten

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When in 2006 the area and the structures of the marina in Docksta were restored, the first goal was to reintroduce moorings, facilities and dedicated services to support sailors & cruisers. It was too long that Docksta was waiting to welcome the long distance sailors again. Second goal was to support sailing experiences within the High Coast and to awake new focus and interest in the natural, cultural and touristic coastal assets of the Höga Kusten / High Coast UNESCO World Heritage.

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The beauty of the High Coast waters and its natural coastlines is a great value to share within the international sailing community.

In the Baltic Sea, two general growing trends involve more long distance cruisers:

• still looking for sailing more close to the Nature, they are escaping from even nice sailing destinations that during the summer are too crowded of boats & people;

• they don't just love sailing open waters or wild mooring: sailors move inland for great outdoor experiences to share with people onboard.

So, year after year, more boats and crews are sailing up to the northern part of the Baltic Sea and heading to the Swedish High Coast & the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago.

Overview of the piers of the "gästhamn" and Dockstafjärden.

Docksta has become a landmark for many Baltic Sea Cruisers in discovering the best spots: here they can safely moor their sailboats or motor yachts but also can discover the best that the High Coast has to offer ashore.

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The guest harbour's location is in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage: in Docksta, we encourage people to pair sailing with walking, biking, hiking (and trail running!) from the piers.

Sailors left their yachts safely moored and start from the marina to enjoy the natural surroundings, the main outdoor activities & the events around Skule mountain.

We highlight them the most stunning paths around Docksta, at different levels of difficulty but overall quite easy and accessible to any family. The national park of Skuleberget is easy to reach from our piers also by bicycle (sailors can also rent our MTB).

We engage them, online and onsite, with free maps for hiking / walking / running

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Baltic Cruisers in the Höga Kusten are coming at Docksta Havet guest harbor from all over the nordic Countries (Sweden, particularly from south of Sweden and Stockholm, Finland, Denmark and Norway), and from abroad (mainly Germany, UK, Holland and POLAND).

In the gästhamn they find fresh water to refill their tanks and electricity to recharge the boat's batteries, comfortable toilets & showers, a washing machine & dryer to refresh onboard linens & laundry. Docksta village offers useful commercial facilities and shops easy to reach from the piers and connections with the bus lines, the main road (E4) or local TAXI services. On average, they stop at the moorings for a couple of nights.

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At Docksta Havet Base Camp, sailors find support across three main assets:

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Welcoming them with facilities and quality services for crew and boats moored at the guest harbour.

•

Informing them about the best outdoor activities & natural assets in the area of Skuleberget and Skuleskogen.

•

Engaging them in nautical activities & pop-up events on the "waterfront" playground in Docksta and in the Sailor's Club House.

At Docksta Havet Base Camp we care of boat & crew: if possible, we assist sailors during their docking and help them while they are mooring the boat.

Skippers, crew and their Guests are welcome into the Sailor's Club House:

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For sailors entusiasts that are dreaming to sail the waters of the Höga Kusten UNESCO world heritage in Sweden, online we share topics about sailing and outdoor from the High Coast. 

Highlighting what High Coast Sailors love to do:

SHARING MAPS & TIPs to get the most:

Docksta Havet is HLR: Cruising Association Honorary Local Representative for the High Coast

CA Cruising Association crest.

The network of CA Honorary Local Representatives (HLRs) aim to support Cruising Association members while they are visiting or planning to visit specific harbors/ports, or areas like the Höga Kusten, by providing helpful assistance, information and advice - plus a friendly welcome! - to yachtsmen and their crew.

CA Baltic Section of Cruising Association

Founded in 1908, the Cruising Association ("CA" website is www.cruising.org.uk) has several thousand members, of whom about 900 are "CA Baltic section" members that means they have sailed in Baltic Sea, or are interested in sailing in all the Countries bordering the Baltic Sea - Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland (Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands also form part of the section). Quite a few members are non-British, and/or non-UK-based.

The aim of CA is to encourage cruising in sail yachts and motor yachts. What is really impressive is how CA Members like and are effective to share experiences, knowledge, and fun to get the most out of their cruising. Information is distribuited through the section's newsletter, website and the forum. For info, please contact the Section Secretaries, Graham and Fay Cattell, at baltic@theca.org.uk or CA staff at office@theca.org.uk.

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Docksta Havet Base Camp is a guest harbour member of the Riksföreningen Gästhamnar Sverige (RGS), its quality is certified 4 stars out of 5.

Here you can reach or contact us:

Docksta Havet AB
Hamnen 10 - 87396 Docksta - Sweden
phone: +46 76 3136628
email: dockstahavet@gmail.com

Sailing + outdoor fitness: in the High Coast, sailors stay active!

Not only to approach race sailing, sailors need to train arms, legs and core to supports their performance on board. Sailors need to move more even while cruising and to do regular physical activity and exercise.

A long day on the sea involves a lot a confidence in boating routines, but it’s really important also to keep your body trained and to boost your endurance because the work to do onboard is sometimes heavy.

At the same time, the spaces to move your body on a boat are really limited and people spend many hours (too much!) basicly just sitting, while steering, trimming or just standing on the deck while sailing.

Any fitness activity that involves physical movement brings benefits: walking, biking or exercises like weight lifting or bodyweight workouts are great for counteracting long periods of sitting during cruising.

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Boaters prove to be increasingly aware of the importance to stay fit while sailing, so here are highlighted many occasions to get moving during cruising holidays in the Höga Kusten.

Sailing + PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Walking or hiking, if you’re not confident in running, are perfect physical activities to keep you in motion and to break the time you spent boating. Plus, sailing the High Coast, you can enjoy these activities exploring great outdoors immersed in the nature.

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Many sailors love to add poles to their walks: they provide balance and stability and reduce impact on the knees and hips. Practicing Nordic Walking you engage up to 90% of your muscles by activating your core and upper body instead of just the lower body during normal walking. Using poles, you burn plus 20-46% more calories than standard walking.

Have you forgotten to add them to your luggage? Don’t worry, you can ask for a pair of poles in the Sailor's Club House!

Sailing + CYCLING

Sailors have offen a pair of folding bikes as tenders: cycling is a smart way to explore and having fun moving your legs. It’s great for sightseeing or to commute to shopping during your cruise along the coastline. 

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Starting from your mooring at the marina in Docksta, you have many opportunities to ride: cycling to discover the area around Docksta & Skuleberget and reach the museum “Naturum”, to commute to the southern entrance of the Skuleskogen national park or just to enjoy few kilometers on the sunny terrain roads along Dockstafjärden. We’ll provide you with helpful tips & maps of the best destinations.

If you need a bike more for a guests onboard or you feel that carrying bikes on your boat is a big waste of space, while mooring your boat at Docksta Havet you find mountain bikes for rental.

Walking, Hiking, Biking: here we share thE maps:

Sailing + EXERCISE

Bodyweight exercises - pushup, squat, lunge, plank - can be done almost anywhere. And doing them on the red granite of Nordingrå just adds fun.

Beginner Bodyweight Circuit Workout

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Planks are the best exercises to practice on the pier for core strengthening: you engage multiple muscle groups but it also works gluteus and hamstrings. Planks support posture and improve balance.

A resistance band is a perfect tool to keep aboard when wanting to exercise while cruising: it enables you to do full body workout without using weights or other heavy equipment. 

Another great system to train is a set of TRX straps: they deliver an effective total body workout, they are portable and you can use them anywhere you want: for example by anchoring them on a tree or even onboard on the mast of your sailing boat.

Early morning over the pier, when the air is fresh and the water usually is calm is the perfect moment to start breathing and relax and then to perform few minutes of your daily fitness routines. You’re welcome to enjoy them on the piers or the grass at the marina!

Sailing + TRAIL RUNNING

Running or even better trail running (if you’re a lucky sailor boating along the High Coast) allows you to add just light gear to your sailor’s bag: transpirant T-shirts & pants, a hat to protect you from a bright overhead sun or from falling rain, a hydration backpack and a good, light pair of off-road running shoes.

In the High Coast, your cruising can bring some of the most exciting experiences of running in the Nature you never can even imagine.

Every run in Docksta is unique and an enjoyable experience. You can easily head out on a trail in the woods or a sunny road by the seaside, reaching the beautiful view on Vårdkallberget, hill running up and down the Skuleberget on the best segments of the Höga Kusten Trail race.

There are several trails that we suggest sailors, on distances from few kilometers to half marathon, that they can run, jog or simply walk starting from the pier of the marina.

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Sailing + RADIO YACHING RACING

There is a new opportunity to spend a great time by the seaside on the waterfront of Docksta: during the summer, you can have fun racing radio-controlled sailboats: at Docksta Havet Base Camp, you can rent & sail fast DF65 radio yachts in a dedicated arena, with floating marks and different courses.

Sailing + OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Sailors start to see Docksta as the biggest opportunity to practice outdoor activities while cruising the High Coast: you can hike on the paths of Skuleskogen national park or join the climbers at Via Ferrata to reach the peaks of Skuleberget, bike or run many roads or trails by the seaside, or just walk the Höga Kusten Leden in the woods. There are outdoor contests and races to join during the summer, like the Höga Kusten Hike and Höga Kusten Trail.

HIGH COAST SAILORS RECOMMEND:

For optimal fitness, remember to daily walk 10,000 steps and incorporate regular exercise like strength training into your routine. As a sailor, you are not exempted ;)

Sailing + hiking to the top of Mjältön island, in the High Coast

photo: courtesy of S/Y Dolphin Dance

High Coast sailors are lucky sailors. Why to choose between the sea and the mountains when you can enjoy both?

In the Höga Kusten, sailing and hiking are perfectly mixed up.

During their cruising, sailors head to the heart of the High Coast to hike the most stunning mountain peaks: Skuleberget, Mjältön and the trails of Skuleskogen national park are three of the top hiking destinations in the UNESCO world heritage.

Mjältön is easy to reach by the sea for sailors cruising on the coastline: coming from north, i.e. from Trysunda, the stunning island of the archipelago outside the national park of Skuleskogen or coming from south, from Bönhamn or after a visit of the natural area of Nörrfallsviken. Mjältön is just in front of the west entrance of the harbour of Ulvön, where the deep fjord that brings to Docksta (Ullångersfjärden) opens into the sea.

Mjältön island, in the High Coast world heritage

 

Baggviken, Mjältön
GPS position: 63°2,14 N 18°32,4 E

Sailors are usual to moor into the natural harbour named Baggviken and from there to start walking the paths that bring to the peak of the mountain and a small lake. If you're cruising during the summer around the island, you will enjoy also many beaches and small bays around the natural coastline of Mjältön.

HerE are some videos made by sailors in mjältön:

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Drone footage of Mjältön peak and the boats in Baggviken natural harbour

The video is powered by Ottiliana Sailing team and shared after their summer cruising into the Höga Kusten. We already published a blog post about these Finnish sailors and their wooden boat, with great videos that report also their sailing to Docksta and, starting from the pier of Docksta Havet guest harbour, their experiences of hiking to the top of Skuleberget on the new path "Höga Kusten Stigen".

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Sailor vlogger Mia Wålsten hiking to the top of the highest island in Sweden

The tradition to bring a small stone on the top started during the Sixties and sailors are still doing this to mark the climbing to the peak of Mjältön at 236m over the sea level.

"In this episode I visit the highest island in Sweden, Mjältön, where I climb to the top. It is a stunning view, but my question is why we all carry a stone to the top? Who started this tradition and why? Maybe every person have a different and unique explanation, what do you think? Anyway, a nice place to visit, I highly reccomend it to everyone!"

FOLLOW MIA WÅLSTEN VLOGGER: S/Y ATLA3 (ON YOUTUBE)

•

High Coast Sailors, Patricia & Christoffer show us their sailing to Mjältön and walking to the top

Sailors head to the heart of the High Coast world Heritage to hike the most stunning mountain peaks

What's your favorite adventure during your cruising the High Coast? Nature or mix nature and outdoor activities?

Hiking and walking are probably the most favorite activities that engage sailors outdoor involving sport and fitness attitudes. They usually head to the most internal coast to experience the outstanding views from Skuleberget and the trails around Docksta that bring to some of the most stunning peaks of the High Coast archipelago, like Vårdkallberget or Skovedsberget. The area of Docksta is becoming the "outdoor Mecca": did you know that there are at least 4 paths to hike up to Skuleberget? (and 5 to climb it!).

Hang your #HÖGAKUSTEN passion on a wall:

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"ULVÖN, TRYSUNDA, MJÄLTÖN #EXPLORING"

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THESE BLOGPOST ARE WRITTEN BY HIGH COAST SAILORS AND HIGHLIGHTED FOR HIGH COAST SAILORS:

• AUSTRALIAN SAILORS ENJOY THE HIGH COAST SAILING EVEN LATE IN THE SEASON >

• "A GREAT PLACE FOR SOLO SAILORS CRUISING IN THE HIGH COAST" >

• FINNISH SAILORS (ON A BEAUTIFUL BOAT) CRUISING THE HIGH COAST [VIDEO] >

• NORDIC WALKING IS A FUN FITNESS ACTIVITY FOR SAILORS IN THE HIGH COAST >

• "WINTER WONDERLAND" RECALLS THE PERFECT HÖGA KUSTEN SAILING MEMORIES >

Play to sail: fast sailing is a matter of more wind

A key to sailing is to understand what the wind is doing: it’s mandatory to know the direction of the wind but it’s important to focus on the wind’s changes, too.

The wind is rarely perfectly steady, it is always changing, at least a little bit and often you can use this to your advantage. How you do it?

You must stay focused on its changes of direction and speed. And act.

To keep your boat moving fast, trim and adjust sails continuously for maximum efficiency in relation to the wind direction.

To make your boat sailing faster, catch the opportunities looking for more wind strength.

How best to detect the differences in wind speed to gain on other boats 

 [ Radio Sailing Basics ]

Dark patches on the surface of the water represent zones of more wind.

Is it possible that the wind can vary considerably over an area even relatively small of water.

For example, one side of the race course may be reached by the wind gusts first.

Both before and during the race, pay attention to estimate the overall wind flow tendency and wind speed fairly accurately. Look at surrounding flags or look for wind signs on the water to check what direction is the wind coming from and how fast is it blowing.

Search for the best wind to determine the favored side of the racing course.

From the pier, you have a complete view of the race course and can detect the wind gusts...

When radio sailing, you control your sailboat at a distance: you can stand from your point of view on the pier and easily scan the race course.

With experience, it will be easy to "read" the wind by its effect on the water around your boat and look for the most windy side.

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

For a comprehensive deep dive, our e-manual is available for purchase, offering in deep knowledge and expert advice to take your skills to the next level.

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

Where do you see spots of wind?

Wind blowing with increasing strength causes ripples that often can be seen coming on the water surface: they make the water look darker, a good indicator of wind speed.

Remember: dark patches on the water represent more wind.

Reading at a distance the wind by its effect on the water can really help you see the distinction between puffs and lulls on the water (puffs are an increase - big or small, in the prevalent breeze). Simply seeing a wind increase coming helps you prepare for steering your boat and trimming the sails properly. Sometimes, it is difficult to keep your boat sailing in a puff for very long: anyway try! because you will sail a faster route, particularly downwind. 

Is your boat sailing in the most wind available? If not, make a change and go where it is stronger: sail in more wind to gain more speed on the other boats. 

Watch other sailboats to see how they heel when on the wind, particularly if they are sailing in a different area of the course.

Are they faster? Are they encountering more wind? Are their hulls bows pointing the direction to the mark higher or lower?

Pay always attention if a part of a race course may have more wind than another to determine, for example, which tack is better on a windward leg or how to position your boat compared to your opponents.

DF65 yachts sailing close on a windward leg.

If your boat is sailing close behind an other boat that is close to windward or immediately to leeward, their sails will interfere with your wind and this will compromise your boat speed.

Search for clean wind and, if possible, keep your boat sailing an open lane (with no other boats disturbing the wind in which you’re sailing) and you’ll have more wind.

Sailing Learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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To start sailing a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to make his rc yacht go faster.

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Play to sail: trimming to make your radio-controlled sailboat run fast

Two Dragon Force 65 yachts engaged on a beam reach.

If you like to start from the basics of sailing, here you approach how to trim the sails of your rc yacht while steering. 

Since we focus on radio sailing, see also this previous post to deepen how to control the sails and the rudder using the two joysticks of the radio unit.

Precise and timely trimming the sails will make your boat move at the speed you need: it will be easier to steer and your sailboat will race faster.

How the sails work.

The mainsail and the jib are the “engine” of your boat: thanks to the action of the wind, they act as wings to “produce” power to move the hull. 

As wings, the sails have shapes with curved sections. The wind flows at different speeds over both sides of the sail, creating a depression that “pulls” the boat forward.

During a close hauled point of sail, the forces that are generated act as a “lift” that moves the hull upwind. Otherwise, when sailing downwind the wind pushes against the sails from behind and simply shoves the boat forward.

Doyle Sailmakers' Team has created a Star upwind simulation that shows the air stream flow over the sails and their differences in speed.

Sail trimming is critical for your boat speed.

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

A sailboat can’t move if the sails are loose and flapping in the wind. As soon as they are tightened up, the boat is starting to move forward.

Trimming is to move the angle of the sails so that they catch the wind with the maximum efficiency.

First, you must constantly be aware of the wind direction. Second you start to position the angle of the sails and to trim them accordingly. 

A basic criteria to properly trim the sails, no matter what course your radio yacht is sailing, is to ease the sails out until they begin to luff. Next, pull them in until the luffing stops.

In order to maintain the sails effective, you must keep a smooth air flow over both sides of the sail with no luffing.

Anyway, by practicing it will be “automatic” to know how to set the sails in relation of the direction of the wind.

Any “point of sail” that your boat is keeping involves an appropriate position of the sails.

Even if your boat cannot sail pointing directly into the wind direction (in the no-go zone, the sail will luff, or flap like a flag in the breeze), it will be easy to properly set the sails when the hull is at an angle greater than 35/45 degrees from the wind.

RC sailboats above: sails are trimmed to beating upwind.

On a close-hauled course the sails are “in tight” (at only a slight angle to the center line of the hull).

RC sailboat above: sails are trimmed to running downwind.

On a run (sailing away from the wind), the sails should be all the way out: you need them to be perpendicular to the direction of the wind to expose the maximum amount of sails area, ideally by keeping the booms quite perpendicular to the center line of the hull.

RC sailboats above: sails are trimmed to a reach.

Reaching, or sailing roughly perpendicular to the wind direction, has a sail position about halfway between close-hauled and a run. 

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If you change direction or point of sail or if it’s the wind direction that shifts, you must properly re-trim the position of the sails all the time.

Elevate your RC Sailing skills:
Free resources at your fingertips >

As a skilled sailor, you know the value of continuous learning. Access our advanced free online resources to refine your techniques and build your confidence with expert insights. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

For a comprehensive deep dive, our e-manual is available for purchase, offering in deep knowledge and expert advice to take your skills to the next level.

Sailing Learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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DOWNLOAD >

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Play to sail: 4 key basic actions to master steering a rc sailboat

The start is a topic moment to exploit skills on steering and trimming to achieve a gain to the opponents.

When sailing, the route of your boat is usually headed towards your destination or towards a mark of the course when racing. Steering towards a point - acting on the rudder by moving to left or right the joystick positioned on the left side of the controller unit - would be the first step followed by adjusting the sails - gently pushing up or down the stick positioned on the left - to maintain good boat speed in relation to the direction of the wind.
 

Focus:

You need to master (knowing & practicing) the basic actions of steering to properly handle your sailboat; this involves to direct, move, accelerate, change direction, stop, luff or bear away.

With the combined effects of the sails, the hull may be steered in any direction in relation to the wind. Just remember that your acting on the rudder will bring very different consequences to the movement of the boat.

Explore RC Sailing with confidence:
Free resources at your fingertips >

Start your sailing adventure with our free online resources, designed especially for beginners. Learn the basics, gain essential skills, and build your confidence with expert tips, and easy-to-follow guides. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

When you are ready for more, delve deeper with our e-manual. It’s packed with detailed insights and practical advice to further enhance your rc sailing journey.

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Basic actions to master steering a radio-controlled sailboat

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

1. Steering toward the wind

To turn the bow of the hull toward the wind is called “heading up” or “luffing up”.

As you steer more toward the wind direction, you have to pull your sails in, "sheeting in", pushing down the left stick on the radio controller. You trim the sails in tighter to keep them full and keep generating lift.

You need to heading up in many situations, here you find some examples:

• To start sailing a route more close to the wind direction. Like turning closer to the wind to change your point of sail from broad reach to close hauled, when you cross the starting line after the signal.

• To start luffing to engage a boat you’re close.

• To keep a route more close to the wind when you have to reach a point slightly windward of your route. For example, the mark at the end of your starboard layline.

• To anticipate a veered puff of wind when beating.

• To accelerate running downwind.

• To “protect” your position on wind, when reaching or running downwind, from a boat that is close to you, backward.

• To point the hull into the wind direction, luffing the sails, reducing your speed such as when approaching a dock or an obstacle.

• To stop the boat keeping it “in iron“ (stopped headed into the wind).

A sailboat does not have brakes. The easiest way to stop it is to turn the bow and to keep it headed into the wind direction, and to lower the sails.

• To start your tacking to windward, changing your direction from a close hauled course to the opposite one passing your bow across the direction of the wind. 

• To round the downwind mark keeping a close hauled point of sail beating the next windward leg.

2. Steering away from the wind

To turn the bow of the hull away from the wind is called “bearing away”, “bearing off” or “heading downwind”.

You need to let the sails out, “ease the sheets”, gently pushing up the left stick of the radio controller.

You need to bear off in many situations, here you find some examples:

• To anticipate a backed puff of wind when running downwind.;

• To accelerate your boat into a lull of wind, or after a tack when beating.

• To accelerate your boat into a puff when reaching.

• To change the direction (from your close hauled route) when you need to pass astern a starboard opponent boat.

• To bear away rounding the windward mark.

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3. Tacking the boat

Tacking your boat refers to turning the bow through the wind so that the wind changes to intersect the sails from one side of the boat to the other side.

The boom (of the mainsail and of the jib in your radio sailboat) will shift from one side to the other when tacking.

As seen in the post about the different points of sails, a sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind direction due to a conical “no-go zone” of about 45+45 degrees from the direction which the wind is blowing. Tacking is the action you need to practice to get your sailboat to a point that is positioned directly upwind.

Remember, you must turn the boat at least 90 degrees when tacking or you may stall in the wind (put yourself "in irons"). Try to carve a smooth arc in the water, moving the rudder joystick firmly, but avoid sudden, jerky moves.

Ideally you steer the hull to go smoothly from sailing close hauled on one tack to sailing close hauled on the other tack.

4. Jibing the boat

The opposite of tacking, this basic sailing maneuver refers to turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side.

Turning away from the wind, or jibing is a way to change your course while sailing downwind.

When performing a jibe, the mainsail boom of your boat will always shift from one side to the other.

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[ Tips & Tricks ]

Steering your sailboat using the remote controller commands

Practice making smooth movements of both rudder joystick and the sail winch stick on your transmitter.

Control the direction of your boat by gently steering. Avoid any sharp movement of the rudder. A fast movement of the stick to full lock position will only act as a brake.

When tacking through the wind, make it a smooth and controlled turn which will help you carry boatspeed throughout the entire manoeuvre.

Too fast a turn and you throw off speed; too slow and you lose momentum.

Likewise, when sailing downwind try to keep rudder movements to a minimum to gain maximum boatspeed.

Steering to turn a sailboat in becomes more efficient the faster the boat is going. So when your sailboat is going fast, you can turn the rudder less to achieve the same turning arch. To turn when going slow, keep the rudder over for a longer time.

In light winds, get your speed up - by just bearing down a bit, before to start your tacking, so that the boat doesn’t stall halfway through your turn as it faces into the wind.

Fact to remember: you can’t steer effectively when your boat is not moving into the water. The rudder needs water to flow over it to be effective. Pay particularly attention at the start or when your boat is "in iron": use the sails to regain momentum and speed.

To deepen how to control your sailboat with the radio unit >

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Now get out on the water! Practice and enjoy steering at all points of sail and in different conditions of wind and sea.

You’re welcome to test your maneuvers renting an easy and fast radio-controlled sailboat or to race your friends on the Play2Sail arena courses.

To start steering a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to "power" his rc yacht.

Play to sail: the radio unit provides you with control over your sailboat

Sailing requires constant reactions:

• to control or change the boat’s direction in the water

• to control the boat speed and fine-tune the angle to the wind, aging on the sails

When radio sailing, the radio unit provides you with control over your sailboat: on the rudder and sail trim.

Play2Sail provides you a two-stick surface transmitter to control your DF65 radio yacht.

The 2 ‘sticks’ on the radio are two controls.

Vertically moving the one on the left, you  trim the sails in and out.

Orizontally moving the stick on the right, you send commands to move the hull’s rudder blade to steer the boat into the direction you want.

On your rc sailboat are 2 servos, one each receive the signal off the two controls.

The steering servo actuates the rudder, through direct linkages.

The other will be hauling in and letting out the ropes that controls the position of the sails. At its shortest length, the sails may only have a few degrees of sway. With the line fully relaxed, the sails could approach 90-degrees of travel.

Above: a Dragon Force 65 yacht running downwind on a correct point of sail.

To use your controller unit to sail your radio yacht is really simple.

• Turn the hull to the right by moving the rudder joystick to the right.

• Turn the hull to the left by moving the rudder joystick to the left.

• Pull the sail In by moving the sail stick down.

• Ease the sail out by moving the sail stick up.

By manipulating the controls of the radio unit, you will sail your model from the piers as if it were a full-size yacht.

The distance to which you can sail our model yacht is limited by the range of the radio transmitter and receiver in the control system and by the capability of your eye. Visibility is crucial for sail trimming and steering to provide directional control to the hull (also for avoiding collisions).

We recommend to keep your sailing in the area where the floating marks are placed: from the pier, you will have a full control of your sailboats and, eventually, this will allow the staff to easily support you and your sailboat. 

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TIP: ALWAYS switch on the tx then the boat, then move the sheeting control up and down and the flashing green lights should go solid and you’ll be in control. ALWAYS switch off the boat then the tx.

Explore RC Sailing with confidence:
Free resources at your fingertips >

Start your sailing adventure with our free online resources, designed especially for beginners. Learn the basics, gain essential skills, and build your confidence with expert tips, and easy-to-follow guides. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

When you are ready for more, delve deeper with our e-manual. It’s packed with detailed insights and practical advice to further enhance your rc sailing journey.

Sailing Learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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[ E-MANUAL ]

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You may also be interested in these blog posts:

Control wind & sails to move your radio-controlled yacht to the direction needed >

Race THE radio-controlled sailboat on different courses signed by marks in the High Coast Arena >

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Play to sail: use wind & sails to move a boat to the direction needed

How to manage the effect of the wind on the sails to move your boat to the direction you need?

FOCUS: head to a destination keeping the proper points of sail

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

Sailors harness the wind to move their boats, adjusting (trimming) the sails to keep air flowing over the sail to provide power. In a sailboat this force is harnessed into forward drive.

The curve of the sails (as in an airplane’s wing) generates lift, that force, in combination with the effect of the keel, results in the boat being pulled forward.

First it's important to understand that your boat can't sail straight into the wind.

When the bow of your boat (the front side of the hull) is pointed directly into the wind, the wind only shakes the sails (imagine a flag flying) and it provides no driving force.

The "no-go zone" for your boat - where a sail is unable to motive power from the wind - extends 45° on either side of the wind direction.

Pointing your bow within the no-go zone, your sails will start to flap and your boat will come to a stop.

In order to harness this power into forward drive, the sails must intersect and be kept into the wind at an angle.

Sail trimming allows you to manage the sails at the proper angle in relation at the direction of the wind and the point of sail.

Lear the basic Points of Sail

The diagram above shows the basic POINTS OF SAIL for different boat directions relative to the wind (blowing from the top of the diagram).

The points of sails diagram shows you how to most efficiently use the power of wind on the sails of your boat in motion toward a certain direction.

You learn that the name of your route changes in relation of the wind: the points of sails are defined by the angle of the wind coming over the boat relative to the bow.

Imagine to be on your boat, looking straight ahead at the bow (would be looking towards the top of the diagram: at 12 o'clock).

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Explore RC Sailing with confidence:
Free resources at your fingertips >

Start your sailing adventure with our free online resources, designed especially for beginners. Learn the basics, gain essential skills, and build your confidence with expert tips, and easy-to-follow guides. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

When you are ready for more, delve deeper with our e-manual. It’s packed with detailed insights and practical advice to further enhance your rc sailing journey.

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

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wind coming from 180°

Radio sailing models running downwind: the mailsails and jibs are set to capture the wind coming at 180° degrees (sailing goosewinged).

Running downwind (point of sail) points your boat straight in the same direction as the wind: the wind is intersecting your boat at a relative bearing of 6 o'clock (around 180° from the bow).

SAILS RIGHT ANGLE: Letting both out to their maximum position

Let mainsail and jib eased out on opposite sides of the boat (as into the image above), as much as possible from the centerline of the boat, to expose the maximum surface of sails to capture the wind coming from back.

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WIND COMING FROM 120/240°

A Dragon Force 95 and a 65 sailing on a broad reach in calm waters.

Broad Reach (point of sail): the wind blows over the boat's quarter, between the beam and the stern.  The sailing is heading you far off the wind (but not quite directly downwind): a bit further upwind, 135° off the wind.

A broad reach is faster rather than a point of sailing directly downwind since mainsail and jib receive more pressure from the wind.

SAILS RIGHT ANGLE: let your sails out a bit leSs.

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wind coming from 90/270°

Radio controlled boats sailing a fast beam reach.

Beam Reach (point of sail) moves your boat at the fastest speed: the wind blows on the side of your boat.
 

SAILS RIGHT ANGLE: let your sails out half way (Each at a position of 45°)

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wind coming from 60/300°

Radio yachts sailing on close reach after rounding a mark.

Close Reach (point of sail): here you sail with the wind forward of the beam: it reaches your boat with a relative bearing of 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock. 
 

SAILS RIGHT ANGLE: Pulling both in a little

Let the sails out until they flap then bring them in just to the point on no longer luffing. They are let out farther than when close hauled.

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wind coming from 45/135°

Radio yachts sailing upwind (beating) during a regatta.

Close Hauled or Beating (point of sail) to windward involves tacking your boat through about 90 degrees from close hauled to close hauled through the no-go zone (since about 40/45 degrees off the wind is about as close as you can sailing upwind).
  

SAILS RIGHT ANGLE: Keeping pulled in

The mainsail and the jib are pulled in tight, and the boom is centered down the centerline of the boat. 

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Sailing Learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

€6.00

[ E-MANUAL ]

To start the radio-controlled yachting is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips of sailing, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to "power" his sailboat - small or big - and get the most of the enjoyment on the water.

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Play to sail: basics to know the wind direction

DF65 radio sailboats sailing windward at the start of a regatta.

To start the radio-controlled yachting is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips of sailing, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to "power" his sailboat - small or big - and get the most of the enjoyment on the water.

FOCUS: Check from which direction the wind is blowing

[ Radio Sailing BasicS ]

The wind powers your sails, that are the “engine” to move your sailboat: in a sailboat the force generated by the wind is harnessed into forward drive.

A sailor need to know the wind direction to manage to capture it properly, acting on the sails position and acting on the steer, to direct the hull (in the right point of sail).

Check the direction of the wind first

Four easy ways to check the direction of the wind while steering your sailboat: 

• 1) Look around and see clues to the wind’s direction: look at surrounding flags, smoke, moving clouds or meteorological weather stations nearby.

The ripples toward your point of view flow in the direction of the wind

• 2) Look at the ripulse flow over the water surface. They are formed by the wind pushing the water and breaking its surface. The ripples flow in the direction of the wind.

• 3) Simply to feel the direction of the wind using your body, your face / head or just by wetting a finger and pointing it upwards (the side of the that feels "cool" is approximately the direction from which the wind is blowing).

• 4) Look for sailboats, how they set the sails or, if moored, look at the top of their masts: in which direction is the narrow side of their Windex wheather vanes pointing?

Explore RC Sailing with confidence:
Free resources at your fingertips >

Start your sailing adventure with our free online resources, designed especially for beginners. Learn the basics, gain essential skills, and build your confidence with expert tips, and easy-to-follow guides. No fees, no membership - just pure learning and fun. Discover Play2Sail Academy today!

When you are ready for more, delve deeper with our e-manual. It’s packed with detailed insights and practical advice to further enhance your rc sailing journey.

Sailing Learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

€6.00

[ E-MANUAL ]

DOWNLOAD >

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