Headed

A windshift in which the wind moves forward on the boat, forcing the helm to bear away or the sheets to be eased.

Test your knowledge

Know your nautical terms? Play the free SkipperCheck daily maritime quiz — COLREGs, navigation, VHF radio, seamanship. Earn points, climb the global leaderboard.

Play the Daily Quiz →

Related H-terms

Head down

To bear away — to alter course away from the wind.

Heave

To throw — usually a line.

Helmsman

The crew member steering the boat at a given moment.

Heading sensor

A solid-state (usually fluxgate or MEMS) compass providing a fast-updating digital heading…

Heading

The direction the bow is pointing, expressed in degrees.

Heel

The sideways lean of the hull caused by wind pressure on the sails.

← Back to full glossary