What Is A Beam Reach In Sailing?

A beam reach is a point of sail where the true wind is at a right angle to the direction of motion, parallel to the cross-hull beams. A broad reach is when the wind is coming from behind the sailing craft at an angle. In irons, being into the wind means your sailboat is in irons. A beam reach is when the wind is coming from the side of the boat at a 90-degree angle, while a broad reach is when the wind is coming from behind the boat.

Beam reach is the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable point of sail for most sailboats. The wind comes in from the side, and the sails are about halfway out. When well trimmed, the beam reach is a precise point of sail that is exactly perpendicular (or 90°) to the direction of the wind. This allows the sails to be let out half way during a beam reach, allowing the boat to sail at a faster speed than during a broad reach.

On a broad reach, the wind will be blowing directly from the beam, causing the sails to be let out more. On a beam reach, the sails should be pushed out more to maintain speed and stability. Close reach is between close-hauled and a beam reach, and some sources say a beam reach is 90 degrees to the true wind or 90 degrees to the apparent wind.

Sailors steer their vessels at a 90-degree angle to the wind, with the beam reach point of sail being perpendicular to the wind direction. In other words, if you’re sailing due North or South and the wind is at a 90-degree angle to the boat, a beam reach is the best choice.