Sailing off the wind

In dealing with the "First Principles of Steering" it makes sense to read "Sailing on the wind" first for two reasons.

1. Because sailing a boat close hauled is the most interesting point of steering for the helmsman and the best test of helmsmanship.

2. Because if the beginner can master the art of steering a yacht to windward he will surely be able to steer her when the wind is free.

We will now give the beginner some pointers in sailing a yacht off the wind.

Read Difference in principle on and off the wind