Harden Up

Turning a sailing vessel closer towards the wind.

This changes the point of sail so the sails need to be trimmed in and the boat sails on a closer angle to the wind. It may be used to improve the line towards a mark, avoid a hazard, or prepare for a tack. The manoeuvre should be made smoothly to maintain drive through the sails and avoid slowing the boat unnecessarily. The helm and trimmers need to work together, because the sail setting must match the new angle.