Points Of Sail

The Points of Sail refer to the different headings of a sailboat with respect to the wind. A boat may be on either a starboard tack (wind coming from the starboard side) or a port tack (wind coming from the port side). The angle at which the boat is positioned to the wind will determine the most efficient sail trim.

Beating/Close Hauled:

Beating or close hauled refers to sailing as close to the wind direction as possible. In this point of sail, sails are hauled in closely to maximize efficiency

Close Reaching:

While in a close reach, the wind is still coming over the bow. The angle of the boat to the wind is greater that when close hauled, and sails are let out slightly. The close reach is the fastest point of sail.

Beam Reach:

When the wind is coming at an angle perpendicular to the boat, or across its beam, it is known as a beam reach. Again, sails are eased out further to increase efficiency

Broad Reach:

When in a broad reach, the boat is sailing downwind, but also across it. Sails are eased out even further to maximize efficiency.

Running:

When a boat is sailing directly downwind, it is referred to as running. Sails are eased out as far as is practical, often “wing on wing” (genoa to one side, main to the other) to maximize use of the wind.

Sailing Terms

Close Hauled: Sailing as close to the wind as possible. (pointing)
Close Reach: Sailing between close hauled and beam reach.
Beam Reach: Sailing so that the wind is on the beam. (900)
Broad Reach: Sailing so that the wind is behind the beam.
Running: Sailing so that the wind is directly astern. The jib and main sails will be on opposite sides. (wing and wing) By the Lee: Sailing so that the wind is on the same side as where the main is carried. When running, this could happen if there is a wind shift to the side of the boat where the main is. Sailing by the lee is discouraged because it could result in an accidental Gybe.

Tacking: Turning the bow of the boat through the eye of the wind.
Gybing: Turning the stern of the boat through the eye of the wind.
Luffing: The fluttering of a Sail when a boat is pointed too close to the wind or the sail is eased out too far.
In Irons: The condition when the boat is pointed directly into the wind without steerageway.
Windward: The direction from which the wind is coming.
Starboard Tack: When the starboard side of the boat is windward.
Port Tack: When the port side of the boat is windward.
Leeward: The direction to which the wind is going.
Head Up: Turning the bow of the boat towards the eye of the wind.
Bearing Away: Turning the bow of the boat away from the eye of the wind, also referred to as bearing off or falling off
Helms-A-Lee: Notification that the tiller has been put to leeward to cause the boat to come about. (tacking)

ADDITIONAL SAILING TERMS
Trim: To pull in... as in trim a sheet. (line)
Ease: To let out... as in ease a sheet. (line)
Overtrim: A condition where the sail is trimmed in too tightly for the wind direction.
Undertrim: A condition where the sail is trimmed too loosely for the wind direction. The Sail will luff if undertrimmed more than a slight amount.
Beat: Sailing to windward by means of a Series of tacks.
Reefing: Reducing the area of a sail due to strong wind.
True Wind: The wind speed and direction as seen by a stationary observer.
Apparent Wind: The wind speed and direction as seen by an observer who is moving across the water.
Weather Helm: The tendency of a sailboat to head into the wind if the helm is released. (letting go of the tiller)
Lee Helm: The tendency of a sailboat to head away from the wind if the helm is released.
Header: Change in wind direction towards the bow of the boat.
Lift: Change in wind direction towards the stern of the boat. A header for a boat on port tack is a lift for a boat on starboard tack.
Beam: The widest section of a boat, generaily across the middle.
Abeam: The direction to either side of the boat. (900 from the bow)
Underway: When the boat is neither at anchor, made fast or aground.