Beam Reach

A point of sail with the true wind coming approximately across the vessel’s beam.

The vessel’s course is roughly at right angles to the true-wind direction. Because the vessel is moving, the apparent wind normally comes from forward of the beam, and sail trim must respond to that apparent wind rather than to the nominal point-of-sail label alone.

A beam reach can be fast on many sailing craft, but comfort, heel and performance depend on wind strength, sea state, sail plan and hull type. It is not universally the fastest, flattest or most comfortable course.