Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the sails trimmed for sailing as close to the wind as possible: This describes the specific orientation of a sailing vessel where its sails are set and adjusted to allow it to sail at the smallest possible angle into the direction from which the wind is coming.

Usage

• This term is used exclusively in the context of sailing and navigation. It describes a precise point of sail, indicating that the vessel is heading as nearly into the wind as it can while still maintaining forward motion. It is a technical state of trim.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The schooner was close-hauled, beating its way up the channel against a stiff northeasterly breeze.
  • To make progress toward the mark, we need to sail close-hauled on a port tack.

Advanced Usage

• "To be close-hauled": This is the standard phrase used to describe a vessel's condition.
  • The yacht was close-hauled for most of the race, testing the crew's trimming skills.
• "To sail close-hauled": This phrase describes the action of sailing in this manner.
  • We will have to sail close-hauled for the next few miles to clear the headland.

Variants and Related Words

• Close-haul (verb, rare/archaic): To trim the sails for sailing close to the wind.
• Beating: A related term for the zigzag course (tacking) a vessel follows when sailing close-hauled to make progress directly upwind.
• On the wind: A near-synonymous phrase meaning sailing as close to the wind as possible.

Synonyms

• On the wind: Sailing with the bow as near the wind as possible.
• By the wind: An older or more literary term with a similar meaning.

Related Phrases

• Pinching: This is a related but distinct concept. It means sailing close to the wind, causing the sails to luff and the boat to lose speed. A vessel that is is no longer efficiently close-hauled.
• Feathering: The action of steering minutely to keep the sails on the verge of luffing when sailing close-hauled, to maximize upwind progress.

Adjective

1. having the sails trimmed for sailing as close to the wind as possible