Points of Sail

A sailboat can't sail directly into the wind — but it can sail in nearly every other direction. The angle between the boat's heading and the wind direction is called the point of sail, and it determines how you trim your sails.

The No-Go Zone

The 45° arc directly into the wind is the no-go zone (also called "in irons"). A sailboat in this zone has no drive — the sails luff (flap) and the boat stalls. You must sail at least 45° off the wind to move.

Points of Sail (from wind to downwind)

Close-hauled (beating): 45°–60° from the wind. Sailing as close to the wind as possible. Sails pulled in tight. The most technical point of sail — requires constant attention to trim.

Close reach: 60°–80° from the wind. Slightly freer than close-hauled. Typically the fastest point of sail for most boats.

Beam reach: 90° from the wind. Wind directly abeam. Sails eased about halfway out. Usually comfortable and fast.

Broad reach: 90°–135° from the wind. Wind coming from behind and to the side. Sails eased well out.

Running (dead downwind): 180° from the wind. Wind directly behind. Main boom all the way out, spinnaker or wing-on-wing jib. Risk of accidental gybe.

Apparent vs. True Wind

The wind you feel aboard is apparent wind — a combination of the true wind and the wind created by the boat's own movement. As you speed up, apparent wind shifts forward. This is why fast boats (racing cats, foilers) sail at surprising angles.

Changing Direction

• •Tacking: Turning through the no-go zone so the bow passes through the wind. The wind shifts from one side to the other.
• •Gybing: Turning away from the wind so the stern passes through it. The boom sweeps across — control it.