Points of sail
A point of sail describes the boat’s direction relative to the wind. The same compass heading can be a different point of sail when the wind changes. Use the explanation below, then move the boat in the trainer to see how its heading and sail trim relate.
The points of sail explained
| Point of sail | Where the wind comes from | What to notice |
|---|---|---|
| No-go zone | Too close to directly ahead | A sailing boat cannot maintain forward progress under sail directly into the wind. Sails luff rather than drive the boat. |
| Close-hauled | As close to the wind as the boat can sail efficiently | Sails are generally pulled in. The workable angle varies with boat and conditions. |
| Close reach | Between close-hauled and the beam | Ease the sails as you turn away from the wind. |
| Beam reach | Across the side of the boat | The wind is roughly at right angles to the boat’s heading. |
| Broad reach | Behind the beam | Sails are generally eased farther out. |
| Run | From astern | Steer carefully: an unintended change of tack can cause an accidental gybe. |
Tacking and gybing: what changes?
Tacking turns the bow through the wind; gybing turns the stern through the wind. Both change the side from which the wind reaches the boat. To make progress towards an upwind destination, sail a series of close-hauled legs and tack between them. A gybe is a downwind manoeuvre, and the boom must be controlled as it crosses.
Practise with the Points of Sail Trainer
First find a beam reach, then a close reach and a broad reach. Notice which side of the boat faces the wind. Head towards the no-go zone and compare the sail behaviour. This exercise builds recognition; practise boat handling with an instructor on the water.
Continue with the beginner sailing vocabulary guide or choose your first sailing course. The RYA guide to points of sail provides further introductory reading.
