How do I know who's on which tack when running dead downwind?
Downwind you can't read tack from heading — both boats point roughly the same way. Instead, the side your mainsail lies on names your tack: boom out to starboard means you're on port tack, boom out to port means starboard tack. If the booms are on opposite sides, the boats are on opposite tacks and Rule 10 applies — port keeps clear of starboard.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBEG30UlBX4" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/ZBEG30UlBX4/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025-2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
📋 The full sailing reading list — all 13 books, free and tickable — opens in ABC, a free checklist app. No login, works offline; some titles carry an Amazon link inside it.
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