Five Ways HOW to TACK A Small Sailboat | Sunfish Sailing

Sunfish Sailor, Lee Montes, shows how to Tack a Small Sailboat, Like Sunfish, Lasers, Optimists, FLying Scots, RS Aeros and other sailboats. He Shows in detail how to Roll Tack and techniques for other tacks. This is good for All Levels of sailors but mainly is targeting beginning sailing and sailors.

[@trinitytoo]

My teeth thank you for showing the necessary choreography for a tack. I knew it was stupid to put the sheet in my mouth to hold the line but couldn't figure out how to manage it!

[@LeeSideSailing]

Good to not lose your teeth!!

[@solitudeandsailing9854]

Your a good teacher Lee. Nice details and video demonstrations.

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thank you! I appreciate the nice comment :)

[@1952fp]

Excelent !

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thank you

[@jailen461]

It's been years since I sailed. I was explaining the complications of beginning to a friend. Thank you. This is good info for him and fit me to jog my memory. WELL DONE 👏 ✔️ 👍

[@LeeSideSailing]

that is great!!! Glad it helped!

[@alcoh12]

Lee, thanks for talking about and demonstrating the aft-facing tack. I always do it that way. Here are some observations: 1. When you change sides facing aft, the tiller and sheet are always in front of you, and there is no passing of either behind your back. 2. The Sunfish boom slopes; it is lower forward and higher aft. This slope tends to match the slope of your own back facing aft as the boom crosses the boat. As a result, you do not have to duck as low as you do when you face forward. 3. Facing aft you will take your eyes off the forward racecourse as you tack. However, with a little practice, the aft-facing tack is so quick and smooth that you will only lose your view for a second. 4. You can also jibe facing aft. I always enjoy your videos! Keep up the good work! Alan Cohen

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thanks Alan for the great insights :). I appreciate the input!

[@Blacksheep1B]

Nice, always a pleasure to get some pointers. I can’t wait to try them out. Having the urge to call in sick for a mental health day on the water. Thanks again.

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thank you! And get out there! It does wonders for your mental health:)

[@chas5131]

Thank you again.

[@johnprevette7344]

Great content, Lee! I've always been confused about the behind-the-back tiller motion. This really helped me understand what I've been doing wrong and how to get it right.

[@LeeSideSailing]

Excellent!!

[@Neberheim]

What an excellent video. I used to take a Sunfish out almost daily before work, but I tried again after not touching a sailboat for 10 years, and I dunked it twice 😅 thank you for such clear instructions, I can see exactly what I wasn’t doing correctly, and I’m excited to head back out in an hour!

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thank you!! Comments like yours is exactly why i do these videos. Im glad it was helpful :).

[@smkunder1]

Always enjoy these tips! Wish you could come to Michigan and give me lessons.

[@todhannigan8779]

I really enjoy your know-how and tips Lee ! Great content

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thank you!

[@staci880]

Thanks Lee, I've been Frost biting on the CT river but only as crew... Ideals Spinnaker summer... Super tricky. Lazers, jys, etchels, and even scows... This is my first sunfish. 1970, . So I put in the block, got the universal, dagger board totally chewed up had to take so much off. Gonna add carpet or Velcro... Trunk. Tons of play. Dude, not looking forward to the baler, same thing as the video. The boats dry and super easy to right. Been wracking my brain and I still can't think of a way to rigg some kind of hiking strap... No cubby. BTW, you're awesome, this could be my favorite... Good teaching bro! Just started a little Sunfish one Design at pettipaug yacht club Have to sail smart... Probably original 1970 sail, mostly tape and thin as a kite. One of those geezers will take pity on me and find me one - eventually 🤙. Any ideas about the strap? Thanks so much for the fabulous sight! Staci PS. How do we get you here?

[@LeeSideSailing]

Hehe. I am sorry i didnt see this comment until now. First thing. Inspection port in rear wall to through bolt the strap is the best way. Place a backing plate too. Awesome you are sailing the fish! I try to travel as much as I can howfully one day come up to you guys!

[@lordhriley]

Man i would have to wear a helmet now.

[@LeeSideSailing]

Some people do wear helmets :)

[@billric1945]

You have to show how that’s done on the water. You keep your weight to original tack after sail crosses over to create the roll. Then you cross over. It’s like a controlled capsize.

[@LeeSideSailing]

Thanks!!

[@skylarking12]

Thanks for the video. My problem is mostly I'm 6'3" with a fat belly and a bad back... and ducking under the low-set Sunfish boom is getting to be problematic for me, even if I haul the entire rig higher up the mast. The boom always drags over my head/hat, threatening to get snagged on the sheet, even with hangers on the boom. I have to take a hand off something - either the mainsheet or the tiller extension - to lift the boom up and over my head.

[@LeeSideSailing]

You are tall! So what ever works for you is perfect!

[@skylarking12]

@@LeeSideSailing Well I need to hang the boom much higher than racers and compact guys like you, Lee... that creates a stronger tendency to capsize for the same amount of wind, though.

[@LeeSideSailing]

When in doubt let the boom out! :). Dont forget to lean out to balance the boat. I know you habe a bad back. But with your height it doesnt take much weight movement to translate into movememt on the boat. :)

[@Sabre3861]

Hey Lee, do you know anything about Big Fish by Island Packet? There is one for sale in Craig's List here in Tampa but I can't find any information about it anywhere other than that it is exactly like regular Sunfish but 40% bigger at 250 LBS and 110 square feet of sail, good for 2 adults and gear. Thank you!

[@LeeSideSailing]

That sounds like a big small boat! Im not familiar with the boat though- however if it’s built like an Island Packet, it’s probably a really strong boat. My concern is where will you keep her? As 250lbs is heavy for a person to drag around….