Also consider the degree to which boats are overstanding the mark. I call it the “shape of the pack.” If it’s a pack with a lot of boats tacking on each other, there will be openings. If you see a group of four or five boats, bow even, on port, going to the starboard tack layline, they’re going to tack at the same time and form a perfect lineup on starboard, making it tough to find an opening.

And finally, even if you’re in the perfect lane below the starboard layline, you must watch what’s coming from the left-hand side. If there’s just one or two boats coming, and they’re ahead of you, it’s not a big deal. If there are a few boats behind you, that’s not an issue either. The boats to keep an eye on are the ones making big dips or crossing just behind you. Those guys are going to make the starboard layline more crowded right where you will be looking for a hole into which to tack. If you’re within 30 seconds or so of the starboard-tack layline, you’ll want to either slam dunk or leebow them. If there’s a big hole on the starboard-tack layline, then a slam dunk is best. If there’s not a good hole, or you’re not sure, then you should lee-bow to keep your options open.

What happens if you’re coming in on port and the hole is so small you cannot complete a tack in it without fouling a starboard tacker? The best solution is to cross the starboard boat and then tack above them. Make sure you communicate this to the other boat, though. I’ll say, “I’m going to cross and then tack.” This prevents them from luffing up as you cross, thinking that you’re going too close.