Richard wrote:
It looks like I'll be sailing in Catalina 27's and 250's for the next
year.

I've been reading a lot about:
Tiny boat: Take every wind shift.
Huge boat: Not always! With the time/distance lost in turning a large
boat this may not be best.

So what would be the general rule for 25-27 footers?

What rules/guidelines do I use to learn properly the best way or
frequency or wind shift arc to tack?

Richard,

The guidelines you are looking for not only vary by class, but actually
by individual boat. How well you can tack is a large part of the
equation.

This is exactly why the tactician needs to track true wind vector.
Sometimes what looks like a header may just be a lost of true wind
speed, this will bring the apparent vector forward.

You are going to have to learn what the boat and crew can do and what
your local water typically throws at you.

Good Luck Guy,
Matt Colie