What Is A Broad Reach In Sailing?

A broad reach is the point of sail where a boat is sailing at an angle between a beam reach and running, typically around 135 degrees off the wind direction. This point of sail is suitable for sailing upwind and is the second fastest point of sail after a beam reach. Broad reach is a slow and more relaxed point of sail, making it ideal for reaching.

Beam reach is the fastest and easiest point of sail, with the wind on the side of the boat (beam) and the sails out halfway. On a broad reach, the sails are eased out away from the sailing craft, but not as much as on a downwind run. The commands for bearing away to broad reach are: Ease sheets for broad reach! and: Sailing broad reach! Broad Reach.

A broad reach point of sail occurs when the wind is blowing from behind the boat. Sailors adjust their sails as the boat’s course turns away from the wind, which is described as reaching. Reaching is the process by which the wind is coming across the boat.

In summary, a broad reach is the point of sail where a boat is sailing at an angle between a beam reach and running, typically around 135 degrees off the wind direction. It is suitable for sailing upwind and is the second fastest point of sail after a beam reach. Reaching can be divided into three different courses: Beam Reaching, Close Reaching, and Reaching. For dinghy boats, the sails should be let out and the boat should be positioned so that the wind comes from behind the boat at an angle.