Reach

A point of sail with the wind forward of, abeam, or aft of the beam but not dead astern — close, beam, or broad reach.

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 R-terms

Run
A point of sail with the wind coming from dead astern.
Range
The line of sight formed when two marks ashore line up, showing the centre of a channel or…
Rake
The fore-and-aft tilt of the mast relative to vertical.
Rigging
The wires (standing rigging) and lines (running rigging) supporting and controlling the sp…
Rudder
The underwater steering foil hinged at the stern (or on a skeg) that, swung to port or sta…
Reef
To reduce effective sail area in strong wind by rolling, folding, or partly lowering a sai…
← Back to full glossary
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo