Learn to describe a sailing direction relative to the wind, then explore our interactive diagram.
3-minute read + a quick quizSaily’s illustrated sailing world · Understand the wind
Compare the boat’s heading with the wind: towards it at an angle, across it, or away from it. A sailing boat cannot sail directly into the wind. The shaded sector is illustrative; its size varies by boat and conditions.
Remember these three things
01Upwind: close-hauled
02Across: reaching
03Downwind: running
Use the wind as your reference
A point of sail describes the boat’s heading relative to the wind. It is not a compass course. Two boats travelling north can be on different points of sail if they are experiencing different wind directions. First identify the wind, then consider where the bow is pointing.
Group the directions
Close-hauled means sailing as near the wind as the boat can effectively manage. Reaching covers directions across and away from the wind; a beam reach places the wind across the side. Running means sailing downwind. The no-go zone is the area too close to the wind for sustained sailing; its size varies with boat and conditions.
Connect the names to a journey
A change of heading may require a change in sail trim. Use the linked interactive diagram to explore that relationship at your own pace. Its simplified picture is a learning aid, not an exact sail-setting prescription. On the water, an instructor helps you recognise the boat’s response and maintain a lookout while making changes.
Put it into context
Your compass course stays the same but the wind shifts. Can your point of sail change?
Think it through, then reveal the explanation.
Show the explanation
Yes. The name describes the angle between your heading and the wind, not the compass course alone. The sail setting may need attention too.
Word to know: Beam reach
A point of sail with the wind coming across the side of the boat.
An introduction to prepare you for supervised practical learning, not a qualification. Follow your instructor’s boat-specific guidance. View all 15 lessons.
