Close-hauled

A point of sail on which a vessel sails as close to the wind as it can while keeping the sails drawing effectively.

The sails are trimmed in and the vessel makes progress to windward on one tack. The closest useful angle varies with rig, sail condition, hull and appendages, wind strength, sea state and whether angle is measured to true or apparent wind, so no universal 30- or 45-degree value defines it.

Sailing too high causes the sails to luff and speed to fall, while footing slightly lower may improve speed and reduce leeway. Heel, weather helm and sail loads must be managed rather than simply sheeting every sail as tightly as possible.