Beam Reach

The point of sail where the wind is coming from directly abeam, or at a right angle to the boat’s centreline. 

A beam reach is one of the most efficient and comfortable points of sail, as the wind is blowing across the side of the boat, typically at a 90-degree angle to the vessel’s direction. This allows the sails to be set in an optimal position to capture the wind’s energy, providing good speed and stability without the excessive heeling that can occur when sailing closer to or further away from the wind. When on a beam reach, the sails are usually trimmed so that they are neither fully sheeted in (as they would be when sailing upwind) nor fully let out (as they would be when sailing downwind). The boat’s course is perpendicular to the wind, making it an ideal point of sail for covering long distances efficiently. Additionally, the balance between wind direction and sail trim in a beam reach often results in a more comfortable ride for the crew, as the boat is less likely to experience the extreme angles of heel or the rolling motion that can occur in other points of sail. This point of sail is commonly used in cruising and racing, as it offers a good compromise between speed and comfort.