Walt wrote:
I've found that a light touch on the tiller really helps when sailing
backwards.

But you also want to keep a firm grip, since the force tends
to yank it hard over rather than tending towards center.


... When you're moving backwards, putting the tiller hard over
just acts as a break

True when moving forwards as well.


.... and the boat may spin around the stern in either
direction regardless of which way you point the tiller.


Never had that happen to me but i can believe it, especially
with some chop afecting the boat also.


What if the boat gets stuck in irons again?


Lather, rinse, repeat. But do it right this time. (c:


Why might it do this?


Weather helm, exacerbated by sailing under main alone.


You mentioned it in another post- ease the main (or drop the
traveler). The mainsail will tend to weathervane the boat
into the wind, and you have to be far enough below a
close-hauled course so that you can still accelerate and let
the rudder get some bite. Otherwise you go thru an endless
cycle.

Old fashioned boats with long booms (lots of leverage) and
low aspect rudders have this problem much worse than modern
ones.




What techniques would you recommend for tacking to avoid getting stuck
in irons?


More or less in order of effectiveness:

Make sure you have adequate boat speed.
Don't stall the rudder.
Get the jib repaired.
Don't sail catboats.
Or catamarans.
Hire a competent captain.
Stay on shore.


Any particular video games you recommend instead of sailing?


DSK