Tacking is a sailing maneuver used to change a boats direction through an oncoming wind. It is a fundamental technique for changing the side of the boat that faces into the wind in order to make progress towards a desired destination. When a sailing craft is heading in the direction that the wind is coming from, it has to sail a zig-zag course in order for the sails to work. This is known as beating to windward and the point of sail is referred to as close-hauled, where the boat is sailing as near as possible towards the wind). Tacking involves turning the bow of the boat through the wind so that the direction from which the wind blows changes from one side of the boat to the other, allowing progress in the desired direction). The sails shift from one side to the other during a tack, and the main purpose of tacking is to allow the boat to sail against the wind, known as sailing upwind or close-hauled, by utilizing the lift generated by the sails and the angle of attack to create forward motion.

The process of tacking involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The crew prepares for the tack by easing the sheets (lines controlling the sails) to allow the sails to luff or flap as the bow turns into the wind. This reduces the power in the sails and facilitates the maneuver.
• Helm Turn: The helmsperson turns the boats tiller or wheel, or steers the sailboat, in the direction opposite to the current tack. For example, if the boat is on a starboard tack, the helmsperson turns the bow to port.
• Sail Trim: As the boat turns through the wind, the crew trims the sails on the new tack by pulling in the sheets to generate power and fill the sails.
• Course Adjustment: Once the boat is on the new tack, the helmsperson adjusts the course to the desired angle to the wind, and the crew trims the sails to maintain speed and power.

Tacking requires coordination and communication among the crew members to ensure a smooth and successful maneuver.