[quote=Dogboy][quote=mattson]The most common mistake I see in high wind tacking is mainsail position.[/quote]
+1
Beginners will instinctively release mainsheet prior to initiating a tack. Big no-no. You can get away with this in light wind or when sailing a monohull but not on a cat in strong wind. Before you start the tack, uncleat the main, but keep it sheeted tight. If you're travelled out far, you may even need to travel in just before the tack. Once you reach head-to-wind, release several feet of mainsheet while keeping the rudders held over. This will allow the boat to continue to pivot through the tack. If you still blow the tack, physically push the boom out and reverse the rudders to initiate a K turn. Note that you can practice these techniques in light wind to get the hang of it.
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