Tacking
Tacking is a fundamental sailing maneuver where a boat turns through the wind to change direction. It's like making a zigzag pattern to move forward when sailing against the wind. This is one of the most basic yet essential skills that sailing instructors teach their students. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates someone has experience either performing or teaching this crucial sailing technique. Think of it like teaching someone to make safe turns in a car - it's a basic but vital skill for any sailor.
Examples in Resumes
Taught beginner sailors proper Tacking techniques and safety procedures
Led group lessons focusing on Tacking and Coming About maneuvers
Certified in teaching advanced Tacking methods to racing teams
Typical job title: "Sailing Instructors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Sailing Instructors
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a curriculum to teach tacking to different skill levels?
Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss breaking down the skill into components, safety considerations, progression from basic to advanced techniques, and how to adapt teaching methods for different learning styles and age groups.
Q: What methods do you use to teach tacking in challenging conditions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to safely teach tacking in various wind conditions, boat types, and with different student abilities, including risk assessment and emergency procedures.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you explain tacking to a complete beginner?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to break down the concept into simple steps, use clear terminology, and provide practical demonstrations with safety considerations.
Q: What are the common mistakes students make when learning to tack, and how do you correct them?
Expected Answer: Should identify typical beginner errors like turning too quickly or too slowly, mishandling the tiller, and improper timing, along with correction techniques.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe the basic steps of tacking?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental process of turning through the wind, including basic terminology and safety procedures.
Q: What safety considerations do you emphasize when teaching tacking?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking for other boats, communicating with crew, proper commands, and awareness of wind conditions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of tacking procedure
- Ability to demonstrate simple tacking
- Knowledge of basic sailing terminology
- Understanding of safety protocols
Mid (2-4 years)
- Teaching tacking in various conditions
- Group instruction experience
- Emergency situation management
- Multiple boat type experience
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced teaching techniques
- Curriculum development
- Racing technique instruction
- Program management experience
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain tacking in simple terms
- Lack of safety awareness
- No formal sailing certification
- Limited experience with different boat types
- Poor communication skills
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Passive to Active: Nurturing Candidates Over the Long Haul
Beyond Borders: Mastering the Art of a Global Onboarding Calendar
Recruitment in the Fast Lane: How to Adapt Hiring Practices in the Blink of an Eye
