Towing, to tack when:
When towing a heavy boat in rough water, or when the wind is scanty, and you have to tack, place a hand or two on the line to haul in. When ready to put the helm down have them take in considerable slack. At the call “Helm’s a-lee!” let go the line and tack your boat on the slack line. This will enable you to get round and have way before the pull of the tow comes on your boat.