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What is Hiking in Sailing?

Leaning the body out over the windward side of a dinghy, feet hooked under straps, to keep the boat flat against the wind's heeling force. Physically brutal over a long beat and a genuine fitness discipline in classes like the ILCA.

Example: Her hiking endurance in heavy air won the last upwind leg.

Related terms

Tack (manoeuvre)Tack (port/starboard)Gybe (jibe)Beat (upwind leg)Run and reachWindward and leewardLaylineMark
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