You are running down to a leeward gate. The two marks look level on the screen. Which one do you take?
The closer one, measured against the wind, not by eye. A gate is two marks: sail between them and round either one. If the wind has swung, the closer mark is on the side the wind now comes from. In the scene Blue's mark is almost a length further upwind than Yellow's, and on a run further upwind means closer. Both boats reach their marks at the same moment and round, and on the beat Blue is almost a length further upwind. Only give up the closer mark when the next beat strongly favours the other side.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QCKVoMPgRBA" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/QCKVoMPgRBA/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link in the list it helps fund the channel and keeps the videos coming for everyone.