The ability to handle a dinghy in heavy weather is a skill that separates the experienced cruiser from the weekend sailor. It is not simply a matter of courage or physical strength - though both help - but of understanding how the boat behaves in extreme conditions and knowing the right technique for each situation.

Tacking in strong winds presents particular challenges. The boat must carry enough speed through the turn to overcome the resistance of wind and waves, yet not so much that it becomes uncontrollable. The key is timing - initiating the tack as the boat rises on a wave, when it has maximum momentum, and completing the turn before the next wave hits.

The helmsman's movements must be smooth and decisive. A hesitant tack, with the helm pushed over slowly, will leave the boat head-to-wind and vulnerable to being blown backwards. Conversely, a violent movement may throw the crew off balance and lead to a capsize. The ideal is a firm, progressive movement that keeps the boat turning steadily through the wind.

Capsizing, when it happens, should not be a disaster. Every dinghy sailor should be able to right their boat quickly and continue sailing. The technique varies with the boat - some designs right easily from a conventional capsize, others require more vigorous action - but the principles are universal: stay with the boat, position yourself on the centreboard, and use your weight to bring the hull upright.

The inverted capsize, where the boat goes right over with the mast pointing downwards, is more serious. Some boats will recover from this position naturally; others require assistance to prevent the mast filling with water and making recovery impossible. Knowing how your boat behaves in this situation - ideally from practice in controlled conditions - could one day be vital.