Home › Sports › Sailing › Windward and leeward

What is Windward and leeward in Sailing?

Windward is the side or direction the wind comes from; leeward is the sheltered, downwind side. Between overlapped boats on the same tack, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat — one of sailing's fundamental rules.

Example: The leeward boat luffed and the windward boat had to respond.

Related terms

Tack (manoeuvre)Tack (port/starboard)Gybe (jibe)Beat (upwind leg)Run and reachLaylineMarkOCS (On Course Side)
Full Sailing guide