Tacking Tip for a Catamaran

Shifting through winds (or tacking) during a catamaran race can be a difficult skill to master, since a catamaran has two hulls (as opposed to the one that a dinghy has) to turn through the water. Because of the two hulls, tacking can be very slow. To speed up the process, back the jib sail in order to help shift the bows in the direction you desire. Lean your body as far aft as you can to put more weight behind moving the bows. Once you have hit the center of the wind, ease your mainsheet. This will assist in getting you quickly moving on the new tack.