Running

The act of sailing a boat downwind, with the wind coming from astern. 

Running is one of the main points of sail, where a vessel moves with the wind coming from directly behind or at a broad angle from the stern. This is generally the most comfortable and stable point of sail, as the boat is not heeling significantly, but it does require careful sail handling to prevent accidental gybes, where the boom swings suddenly from one side to the other. When running, sails are often eased out fully to catch as much wind as possible, and in some cases, additional sails such as a spinnaker or a preventer on the boom may be used to improve control and efficiency. While running can be an efficient way to cover distance with minimal effort, it can also be slower in light winds due to reduced apparent wind speed. Additionally, maintaining control is crucial, as excessive rolling or an unintentional gybe can pose risks to both crew and equipment.