In Irons

Unable to complete a tack because a sailing vessel has lost drive while pointing into or very close to the wind.

With the sails luffing and little water flow over the rudder, the vessel may stop turning and begin to drift or make sternway. It commonly results from insufficient speed before the tack, excessive rudder angle, waves, mistimed sail handling or attempting to pass too slowly through the no-go zone.

Recovery varies with vessel and circumstances and may use backed sail, reversed helm while making sternway, an engine or allowing the bow to fall off. Sea room and nearby traffic must be considered because the vessel is not necessarily stationary or under effective control.