How is steering downwind different from steering upwind? It takes more latent ability to steer a boat well on reaches and, especially, on runs. You’ll see a greater number of good helmsmen upwind than ...

ν Downwind finishes used to mean ­squaring back the pole, sailing as perpendicular to the line as possible, keeping your air clear and crossing at the favored end. For boats with symmetric spinnakers, ...

Windward, the direction from which the wind is blowing. The windward boat gets the wind before its opponent does and is in a generally favorable position. Leeward, the direction the wind is blowing.

Sometimes having everything going for you — being the home team, having the fastest boat on the water and boasting the best boat-handling skills — does not translate into victories. The Tufts sailing ...