Sailing means coming into contact with both the power and the delicacy of the wind.
Understanding the different points of sail is essential for anyone who wants to master the art of navigation.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail the full range of sailing angles, focusing on the techniques and the boat’s position relative to the wind.

The Points of Sail

No-Go Zone

The no-go zone is the area where a sailboat cannot move forward directly into the wind.
In this position, the wind cannot effectively interact with the sails to generate propulsion.
This zone usually extends about 40–50° on either side of the wind’s direction.
To advance, the boat must change its heading and increase its angle to the wind, adopting a close-hauled course (described below).
Understanding the no-go zone is essential: avoiding it allows sailors to make the most of every breeze and plan tacks strategically — a key concept in sailing training at A Vele Spiegate.

Close-Hauled: Tight and Broad

The close-hauled course allows the boat to sail as close to the wind as possible. It can be divided into two variations:

Tight Close-Hauled:
In this position, the boat sails very near the wind’s direction without entering the no-go zone.
It requires precise sail trimming to maximize lift and efficiency.
This is one of the most demanding points of sail — both technically and physically — since even small adjustments make a big difference.
In A Vele Spiegate’s practical sailing sessions, students learn how to maintain the right heel angle and fine-tune the sails to achieve optimal performance.

Broad Close-Hauled:
Here, the boat sails at a slightly wider angle to the wind.
This setup provides greater stability and a more relaxed experience.
It’s ideal for beginners or for sailing in shifting wind conditions, where control and comfort are the priority.

Beam Reach

The beam reach occurs when the wind blows perpendicular to the bow.
It’s one of the most enjoyable and efficient points of sail because the sails work effectively while the boat remains well-balanced.
A beam reach offers smooth, steady speed and is often considered the most comfortable course for cruising.

Broad Reach and Running

These are downwind sailing courses, where the wind comes from behind or slightly to the side, creating a more relaxed experience.

Broad Reach:
The wind approaches the boat from a wide rear angle, providing both stability and comfort.
The boat maintains a steady course, and the sails can be eased out for smooth, continuous propulsion.
It’s a pleasant and easy point of sail, perfect for enjoying the view or for less experienced sailors refining their skills.

Running:
When the wind blows directly from behind, the boat is said to be running.
While it might seem the easiest position, it requires careful attention to avoid accidental jibes or loss of balance.
Running can produce good speed, but maintaining control means managing crew weight and sail trim precisely.
In A Vele Spiegate’s sailing courses, particular care is given to mastering this technique safely and efficiently.

Conclusions

The world of sailing offers a wide variety of techniques and subtleties that every sailor must learn to make the most of the wind’s potential.
From the no-go zone to the close-hauled angles, and from the steady beam reach to the more relaxed broad reach and running courses, each position has its own character and demands specific sail handling and steering skills.
Mastering these concepts is the first step toward transforming every outing into a journey of learning, control, and freedom.

For those who wish to deepen their understanding and practice these techniques, A Vele Spiegate offers structured sailing courses for all levels, with dedicated lessons on points of sail and related maneuvers.
Visit the sailing courses page to discover the full program and begin your journey toward confident, mindful sailing.