LOOSE SAIL APPROACH

A loose sail approach is bringing the boat to a controlled stop on a closed hauled and makes it possible  to sail real slowly. This allows you to arrive in a controlled way at a buoy, a mooring pole or a leeward shore. By letting the sails out more or less you can precisely control the speed of the boat. If you sail too slowly, the boat will no longer responds to its helm and will you loose control. The art is to maintain just enough speed to still be able to steer. Practice this useful skill often and under different wind conditions.