Figure of Eight
Loop two marks in a continuous figure of eight — a tack and a gybe every few lengths, turning both ways.
Two marks a few lengths apart; sail a continuous figure of eight around them, circling one mark clockwise and the other anticlockwise. Every lap forces a tack through the top of each loop and a gybe through the bottom, in both directions — so neither the crew's strong side nor their weak side gets a rest. The tight radius keeps speed low and bite high: heel, trim and helm have to work together or the boat stalls in the turns. With several boats on the loop, spacing pressure does the rest of the coaching for you.
Setup
Two marks 8–10 boat-lengths apart, set across the wind. Boats join the loop spaced out (a quarter-lap apart works for pairs). Sail 4–5 laps, rest, reverse the direction of the eight, repeat.
Opens the animation on the boat-length grid — run it well, then brief it from the same picture. Free, no account needed.
What to call out
- Continuous turn, continuous trim: sheets never cleated, boat always turning.
- Through the tacks, use heel — roll in, flatten out — the rudder alone will park you.
- Gybe under control at the bottom of each loop: boom across with the boat flat, not by accident.
- Hold your gap to the boat ahead; the loop punishes every stalled manoeuvre.