Mark Rounding

admin July 10, 2025 Sailing Previous Lesson The Start line Comments (0)

Mark Rounding – The Fine Art of Turning Without Tension

If the start line is where chaos begins, mark rounding is where chaos hits full crescendo. Picture several boats arriving at a buoy from different directions, all convinced they have the right of way, none particularly eager to give an inch. Add wind shifts, flapping sails, and one boat that seems to have mistaken the race for a scenic tour, and you’ve got the recipe for the most dramatic part of the course.

But here’s the good news: with a bit of planning, some boat awareness, and a deep breath, mark rounding can be smooth, strategic, and even satisfying.

Know Your Rights (and Your Lefts)

Right of way rules are your best friend here – or your worst enemy if ignored:

If you're on starboard tack, you have priority over boats on port.
If you're the inside boat at the mark, you may be entitled to room – but only if you were there in time.
And if you're the boat shouting "water!" without knowing what it means, maybe just keep quiet and focus on turning.

Tip: don’t assume the other boat knows the rules. Assume they think they do.

Approach with Purpose

Don’t drift aimlessly toward the mark. Have a plan:

Wide in, tight out: A broader approach gives you a better angle for a cleaner exit.
Watch for boats slowing or stalling near the mark – these become floating obstacles with opinions.
Ease off slightly before the turn to avoid oversteering or rounding too wide.

Communication is Key (Especially in Double-Handers)

If you have a crew, now is the time for crisp instructions, not philosophical debates:

"Ready to tack"
"Ease the jib"
"Watch that Laser trying to sneak in!"

No one needs a tactical discussion while halfway through the gybe.

Avoid These Common Mark Rounding Mistakes

Coming in on port tack and assuming you can squeeze through. (Spoiler: you usually can't.)
Turning too late and drifting wide enough to be overtaken by a duck.
Overturning and stalling mid-turn while the rest of the fleet sails past.
Getting too close to the mark and clipping it, earning a penalty or at least a good laugh.

Make It Look Easy (Even If It Isn’t)

Good mark roundings make you feel like a sailing genius. Bad ones make you wonder if rowing would be less stressful. But every mistake is a learning opportunity – and trust me, you’ll get plenty of those.

So next time you’re approaching a buoy, take a breath, hold your line, and execute your turn with just enough flair to look intentional. Bonus points if you stay upright and keep shouting to a minimum.