Point of sail

Point of sail is the terminology used to describe how a sailing boat is sailing in reference to the direction of the wind. Different countries use different terms, but different number of categories, which makes it a bit difficult to translate.

The UK includes 6 categories: Head to wind, Close hauled, Close reach, Beam reach, Broad reach and Running.

France includes 8 categories: Vent debout, Près, Bon plein, Petit largue, vent de travers, Largue, Grand largue et Vent arrière. French even add somtimes the "Près serré" to indicate the closest possible upwind sailing.

Sweden includes 5 categories: Vindlöga, Bidevind, Havvind, Slör and Läns. At times, "Plattläns" will be found to indicate full back wind with sails spread on each side.

Norway includes 6 categories: Ikke seilbar, Bidevind, Skap slør, slør, Rom slør and Lens. As in Sweden, Platt lens can be found for the full back wind sailing with sails spread on each side.

In Sweden as in Norway, "Kryss" (cruising) is sometimes used instead of "Bidevind" .