Tack, Gybe, Reach 3

The wind is favourable, and the top mark is in sight! Just as in life, there are rules and regulations to be followed.  Boats tacking on starboard (heading into the wind on the right-hand side) have priority over those tacking on port (heading into the wind on the left-hand side).  While you might have to give way, sometimes the wind gusts are better on the port side of the course. There are decisions to be made.

As they get closer to the top mark, sailors need to calculate how many tacks they need to make.  Too many and the boat will slow down with each change; not enough and they might miss the angle and must tack again.  Too close and hit the mark?  Well, that involves a penalty.

It’s much like having a goal or career destination in mind.  When do you go for a promotion or a project that will give you an uplift versus getting bogged down, sailing hard, but not getting very far? Are there expectations or regulations that might get in the way?

There are many factors to consider, but knowing your strengths is a great start.  What are the strengths that energise you? Which sail will you choose as you round the top mark and begin the Reach section of the race?  Will you hoist your spinnaker and sail with the wind, using your strengths wisely? Or are you anxious about the conditions and prefer to stick with your main and your jib, knowing you’ll get there in the end but probably a long way behind everyone else?

Choices, choices …  just as in life.

There are lots of great free assessments to help you identify and label your strengths – here are three of my top favourites:

https://www.strengthsprofile.com/en-GB/Products/Free

https://www.marcusbuckingham.com/gift-of-standout/

https://www.viacharacter.org/

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”

Roy T. Bennett