Windward

In the direction from which the wind is coming, or on the side facing the incoming wind.

Windward is the opposite of leeward and can describe a vessel’s side, another object’s position or progress towards the source of the wind. The windward side is not necessarily physically higher except when heel makes it so.

The reference wind should be clear because true and apparent wind can give different directions on a moving vessel. In collision and racing contexts the exact rule or definition must be applied rather than relying on a casual sense of upwind.