Points of sail
What Is a Broad Reach? The Point of Sail Between Beam and Run
Published · Last checked October 2026
A broad reach is the point of sail where the wind comes from behind the beam but not directly astern, roughly 110 to 160 degrees off the bow. The sails are eased well out, the boat heels little and often sails at its fastest, especially in waves it can surf down. It is safer and usually quicker than a dead run because the risk of an accidental gybe is lower, but in strong winds it can lead to a broach if you carry too much sail.
Where the broad reach sits
Going round from the wind: close-hauled, close reach, beam reach (wind at 90 degrees), broad reach, then a run with the wind dead astern. On a broad reach you look over your quarter, the back corner of the boat, to see where the wind is coming from. The full circle is in points of sail explained.
How to trim on a broad reach
- Ease both sheets until the sails are well out but not flapping. On the jib, ease until the luff just curls, then sheet in a little.
- Ease the kicker (vang) and outhaul less than you might think: the kicker stops the boom lifting and the leech twisting off too much.
- Rig a preventer on longer legs to stop the boom swinging across if the stern yaws. See what a preventer is.
- Move crew weight aft in waves so the bow does not dig in.
| Broad reach | Run | |
|---|---|---|
| Wind direction | Over the quarter | Dead astern |
| Jib | Draws well | Often blanketed by the main |
| Accidental gybe risk | Lower | High |
| Rolling | Moderate | Can roll heavily |
| Speed | Often fastest | Usually slower |
Why sailors prefer it to a run
Downwind, many skippers sail a series of broad reaches and gybe between them rather than run straight. The extra distance is often recovered by better speed, the jib keeps working, the boat rolls less, and the boom is far less likely to slam across. In a following sea the boat feels steadier and the helm has more control.
The risks: broaching and gybing
A broach happens when a gust or wave makes the boat round up violently towards the wind, heeling hard with the rudder losing grip. It is more likely with too much sail, the kicker too tight or the mainsheet held in. Reef early, ease the main in gusts, and bear away firmly as you feel the boat start to load up. The when to reef guide has rules of thumb.
Learn the downwind angles in the sail trim and boat handling lesson.