In the specialized lexicon of yacht racing and competitive sailing, the phrase "making trees" refers to a visual technique used to determine relative velocity and geographical position against a competitor. Rather than relying solely on onboard instruments or GPS data, sailors use fixed objects on a distant shoreline—historically clumps of trees, buildings, or landmarks—as a reference point to gauge whether they are gaining or losing ground to another vessel. This method transforms the background scenery into a tactical tool, allowing crews to make immediate decisions based on visual evidence of performance.
The concept is simple yet rooted in the physics of relative motion and parallax. When two boats are racing, they may be moving at different speeds or angles relative to the wind. By lining up a competitor with a stationary object on the shore, a sailor creates a temporary visual transit. If the competitor appears to be moving backward relative to the shoreline trees, your boat is "making trees," meaning you are out-performing them. Conversely, if the competitor seems to slide forward against the trees, you are "losing trees," indicating that they are faster or sailing a more efficient angle. This technique effectively turns the distant shore into a giant ruler for measuring performance.
The mechanics behind making trees rely on the observation of angular motion. As your yacht moves through the water, the angle between you, the competitor, and the distant shore changes. Because the shore is stationary and effectively at infinity compared to the moving boats, it serves as a stable backdrop. If you are sailing faster than the boat in front of you, your closing speed will cause the background object (the trees) to appear to drift behind the competitor’s sails. This phenomenon is an application of motion parallax; objects closer to the observer (the rival boat) shift position more rapidly than the distant background. Skilled sailors use this visual cue to instantly verify if a recent sail trim adjustment or tactical decision has resulted in a genuine performance gain.
Practical application of this term is frequent in buoy racing and coastal navigation. Consider a scenario where two yachts are beating upwind on a close-hauled course. The trailing boat decides to foot slightly (bear away a few degrees) to build speed. The trimmer watches the leading boat against a line of trees on a distant cliff. If the leading boat begins to drop behind the tree line relative to the trailing boat's perspective, the crew knows they are "making trees" and have successfully closed the gap. Another common example occurs during a leeward run. If a boat behind sets a larger spinnaker and begins to overtake, the lead boat might notice they are "losing trees" as the background landmarks slide forward, prompting them to adjust their own downwind strategy to cover the threat.
A common misconception regarding making trees involves the confusion between lateral separation and velocity. This technique is most accurate when boats are on similar lines of bearing or sailing parallel courses. If one boat is significantly to the left or right of the other, the angular motion observed may be due to the divergence of courses rather than a difference in speed. Additionally, some novices mistake the movement of the trees for wind shifts. While a wind shift can cause a boat to point higher or lower, the act of making or losing trees is strictly a measurement of relative distance at that specific moment, regardless of the cause. It is also worth noting that this tactic is limited to coastal sailing; in offshore racing where land is out of sight, celestial bodies or the horizon line serve as the reference points instead.
Understanding this terminology is vital for safety and tactical efficiency. In crowded starting sequences, using transits helps teams determine if they are early or late for the start line, but "making trees" specifically focuses on competitors. It fosters a heightened sense of situational awareness. By constantly monitoring relative movement against fixed landmarks, crews can avoid collisions and anticipate crossing situations. Furthermore, it serves as a critical backup to electronic systems; if a GPS malfunction occurs, the ability to judge progress and position visually remains a fundamental seamanship skill.
In conclusion, making or losing trees is a fundamental concept in yacht racing that combines visual perception with tactical navigation. It allows sailors to quantify their performance against competitors in real-time using the natural environment. By mastering this visual reference, a crew gains a competitive edge, ensuring they are not just sailing fast, but sailing faster than the competition relative to the course ahead.