Run

ALL0-9ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

A run is the point of sail, directly downwind, with the wind coming from behind the boat (at a 180° angle to the bow). This is the only point of sail where the wind is behind the boat, pushing it forward.

The sails are let out fully, as far as they can go, to catch as much wind as possible. Sometimes, sailors will use the goose-winged (wing-on-wing) technique.

Steering during a run can be more challenging because the boat tends to be less stable. If the boat veers slightly off course, it risks a gybe.

Related content:
  • Partner Onboarding
  • How much water?

    A core skill for any skipper is knowing if there's enough water to float. Knowing how to work this out opens up new places to explore and prevents running aground due to lack of water.

    Learn about tides and depths on charts.

    Approximately 4 hours

  • Day Skipper Assessment

    A Chartwork Assessment Paper & General Assessment Paper covering the remaining aspects of the syllabus.

    Day Skipper Theory Certificate

    4 hours (2 hours Chartwork, 2 hours General Assessment)

  • Should we do this?
« Back to Glossary Index