The no-go zone
A sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind. The no-go zone is the arc roughly 45° either side of the true wind direction where sails cannot generate drive. The solution is to tack — turn through the wind to reach the desired course from the other side.
Close-hauled
Sailing as close to the wind as possible — typically 40–45° off the true wind. Sails are sheeted in tight. Often the hardest work but the most technically rewarding.
Close reach
Approximately 60–80° off the wind. Sails eased slightly. One of the most pleasant points of sail — good speed, moderate heel, balanced.
Beam reach
Wind at 90° to the boat. This is typically the fastest point of sail for most monohulls. Sails are roughly halfway out.
Broad reach
Wind from behind and to one side, typically 120–150° off the bow. Fast and comfortable — the classic trade-wind point of sail for long passages.
Running downwind
Wind directly behind — 180° off the bow. Requires attention to accidental gybes. Always use a preventer to secure the boom.