Hi Steve,
as others said, this topic is a long discussion trigger on winward
tactics.
The main problem is the combination of two big ideas:
- Short term tactic.
- Macro - long term tactic.

The first one will be the logical structure of all your decisions at a
short time, thinking in the small fleet that is sailing near your area
and the influence of this other boats and how you will keep on first
place of this sub-fleet.
The second one is a strategic view of the course area (all the winward
leg, imagine an aerial view) and all the logical influence factors at
long time, like current, other side fleet position, persistent
windshift, etc.

The key is understand when one is more important than the other, and
take the decisions with a balance keeping in mind the two visions.

If you have a constant wind speed and direction, I assume an ideal
situation with no change of pressure in the course area, etc. the boat
speed takes a very important place together with the start and the
position that you gain in the fleet as a consecuence.

Hope that helps

best regards

Diego.


Stephen Page wrote:
Newbie on board but let me seek your advice and guidance, if I may,
folks.

When going upwind, what tacking method wins races and why? One long
tack or several short tacks? For the sake of my understanding, let's
talk in terms of the windward mark being dead upwind of the start line
and a constant wind speed and direction.

Best wishes
Steve