POINTS OF SAIL Points of sail refer to specific angles of the sailboat in relation to the wind, encompassing various


sailing directions such as close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, and run. These points of sail dictate the positioning of the sails and the boat’s maneuverability. Knowing your point of sail will help you in harnessing the wind efficiently for optimal boat speed.


Close-hauled (sailing as close to the wind as possible), beam reach (sailing at 90° to the wind direction), and running (sailing directly downwind) are quite specific points of sail. When sailing in the area between close-hauled and a beam reach, you are close reaching, and when sailing in the area between a beam reach and a run, you are broad reaching.


NOTE: For both diagrams, understanding the relation between the wind and the sails in the “No-Sail (No- Go) Zone” is crucial. Orient yourself to the sailboat within this zone and then explore how the wind interacts with the sails as you move around the circle, observing the variations in sail positions and wind angles at each point of sail.


Beam reach Broad reach


Deep broad reach


Close reach


Close- hauled


Run WIND


NO-SAIL (NO-GO) ZONE


Deep broad reach


Broad reach 13


Beam reach


Table of Contents


Close- hauled


Close reach


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