Best Boat Guide

By John N. Jamieson

Have you ever tried to sail downwind on an early summer morning when winds are light and variable? It can be an experience in frustration to try to keep your sails filled when your speed keeps dropping like a rock. Learn to sail a boat better than ever before when you use the secret of "swooping" downwind.

When you sail downwind, apparent wind become lighter. In ghosting conditions (0-3 knots), your small cruising sailboat can slow down to the point that it barely moves through the water. Follow these three steps to take advantage of every puff of wind and increase your downwind sailing speed.

1. Use a Light Touch

Smooth motions make a difference in light wind sailing. Use gentle, fingertip pressure on the sailboat wheel or tiller. You don't want to stall the boat. Make your turns in the next two steps in an easy, glide-like motion.

2. Head Up to a Beam Reach

Turn in a slow, easy motion to a beam reach-but no higher! This will increase the flow of the apparent wind across the sail and build your speed. As soon as your speed increases, go to the next step.

3. Fall Off Back to a Run

Make a smooth turn back to your original running course. Once you're back on your downwind course, keep an eye on your speed. As soon as the boat slows down to a crawl, swoop back up to a reach again. Build up your speed and then fall off back to your downwind course. Repeat these steps as long as the wind remains light.

Learn how to sail a boat downwind in the light winds of summer with the secrets of swooping. Use these techniques to beat the competition on the race course or get to your next downwind landfall faster than ever before.