ward side of the boat. Tack is now complet-ed. NOTE: If you end up “in irons” you will startto drift backwards. While sitting on theweather hull, uncleat the main and push theboom to leeward. Backwind the jib and pushthe sailboat tiller away from you. This reverses therudders and allows the boat to sail back-wards. Leave them reversed until the bowsare pointed in the direction of a close reach.Release the jib, straighten the rudders andsheet both sails in quickly. JIBING When navigational downwind or on a broad reachyou must jibe. To do so, first check newdirection to be sure it is clear of other boats. The skipper should move aft and to the cen-ter of the boat while turning the rudderabout 1/3 of the full throw.Swing the hiking stick to the opposite side,placing the end aft of the rear beam and for-ward of the tiller arm for boats. Keep the ruddersturned by holding onto the tiller crossbar. When boat is heading straight downwind,grab the sheets between the main blocksand pull the sail across. BE SURE TO KEEPLOW AS THE SAILBOAT BOOM CROSSES THE BOAT. When the main fills on the opposite side itmay “snap” across so be ready for it. Haveyour crew bring the jib to the new side.Move to the side of the boat and pick up thehiking stick. BALANCE Your Prindle Marine catamaran will sail faster andeasier if it is sailed on its “lines” so that thewater flows across the hull as it wasdesigned to do. 28