Run

A run is the point of sail, directly downwind, with the wind coming from behind the boat (at a 180° angle to the bow). This is the only point of sail where the wind is behind the boat, pushing it forward.

The sails are let out fully, as far as they can go, to catch as much wind as possible. Sometimes, sailors will use the goose-winged (wing-on-wing) technique.

Steering during a run can be more challenging because the boat tends to be less stable. If the boat veers slightly off course, it risks a gybe.