sailboat in irons

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Getting In and Out of Irons

“Being in irons ” describes a boat that is stopped. While pointing into the No-Go Zone, the sails will be luffing. You will not be able to steer normally.

On a boat with a jib you can turn the bow away from the wind by backing the jib. To back the jib, hold it out to the side of the boat opposite the direction you want to go. The wind will push against the jib and turn the bow around without the boat backing up very much.

If the boat does not have a jib, back the mainsail by pushing the boom forward on the side you want to turn toward and hold the tiller in that same direction. As the boat begins to sail backwards, the bow will turn toward the boom, and away from the wind.

With either method, when the wind starts coming over the windward side of the boat, release the backed sail and pull  in the sheets to stop the luffing. Pull the tiller away from the boom and continue sailing.

Remember, when back the sails, be aware that there will be wind pressure pushing against you. The stronger the wind, the greater the pressure. Take care!

For more from our Small Boat Certification Series and to get started on the right tack, visit our website to purchase “Learn Sailing Right.” 

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The 6 Points of Sail: An Illustrated Guide

Depending on the direction of the wind and where you’d like to take your sailboat, you’ll need to consider which point of sail to be in. Whether you’re sailing upwind (windward) or sailing downwind (leeward), your sails will either take on the characteristics of an airplane wing or a parachute.

So what are the points of sail on a sailboat? The points of sail include into the wind (in irons), close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, and running, which go from windward to leeward and are all symmetric from port to starboard.

Knowing the points of sail on a sailboat is important in terms of being knowledgeable about how your sailboat generates wind power while also being able to properly communicate with your crew.

It’s also important to understand the difference between upwind sailing and downwind sailing.

There’s a lot of sailing terminology to hash out here as well, so let’s dive into all the different points of sail and learn what they all really mean.

Points of Sail

A point of sail is the direction of a sailboat’s journey while taking into consideration the direction of the true wind as opposed to apparent wind.

The difference between true wind and apparent wind is that true wind is the wind that’s felt by something or someone in one place (like on land) while apparent wind is the wind felt when on the move (like on a sailboat).

The points of sail, when combined, complete a full 360 degrees. Starting from the top (0 degrees) all the way to the bottom (180 degrees), we’ll now explore the different points of sails.

1. Into the Wind (In Irons)

Being into the wind or in irons means your sailboat is going straight into the wind (plus or minus 45 degrees from 0), which will prevent your sailboat from… sailing!

Being into the wind can’t be 100% avoided, and it shouldn’t be, but it’s generally not where you want to be if you plan on moving.

The into the wind point of sail is more often a pivot point for when performing other sailing actions including tacking as well as raising and lowering the mast.

When tacking, your point of sail will change from one side of the sailboat to another while crossing the into the wind point of sail. If you’re not able to cross this point of sail fast enough and get stuck, this is called being “taken aback”.

This is also considered the “no-go zone” or “no sail zone” because, you guessed it, you won’t be going anywhere fast when in this space for too long.

If your sailboat’s in the into the wind point of sail for a long enough time, your sailboat will lose all forward momentum and end up sitting around.

2. Close Hauled

The close hauled point of sail is a tad bit greater than the 45-degree mark on either side of the sailboat.

When at this point of sail, you’ll sail upwind and is often called “beating” as well as “working windward” since your boat is moving toward the wind. Sailing close hauled means you’ll be feeling the wind much more as a captain and crew member!

While sailing close hauled, your sail will be functioning as similar as it can to a wing on an airplane due to it cutting the wind dead on resulting in generating a lot of life.

As a matter of fact, this is when you’ll have the tightest sail trim. The closer you are to the wind (or the “no-go zone”), the more to “point” your sailboat will be.

3. Close Reach

As your sailboat “bears away” (moves away from the wind), it’ll enter the close reach point of sail. This point of sail sits right in between the close hauled and beam reach points of sail on either the port or starboard side of a sailboat. Close reach is a fun and fast point of sail for many sailors!

Close reach is the closest point of sail to the “no-go zone” as any other point of sail, so it’s important to pay attention to the wind and your boat sails.

Since sail trim is so important when it comes to your sailboats speed, it’s important in a close haul to keep your sail tight (similar to a close hauled point of sail) but loose enough so it’s just on the verge of luffing.

4. Beam Reach

When entering a beam reach point of sail, your sailboat will be perpendicular to the wind either on the starboard or port side.

Being in beam reach means you’ll be letting your sails halfway out and you’ll be moving relatively faster than other points of sail. As a matter of fact, it’s known to be the fastest point of sail when on a sailboat!

Not only is beam reach the fastest point of sail on a sailboat, but it’s also the most comfortable due to having more control.

The way in which the wind hits your sails at this point of sail means your boat will be transferring energy more efficiently from the sideways force of the wind to the propelling motion forward.

5. Broad Reach

Moving away from a beam reach and into a broad reach point of sail results in letting your sails out about 2/3 of the way.

At this point of sail, the wind is not coming astern from your sailboat and your sail will act more like a parachute than a wing. Now that you’re sailboat’s heading downwind, you’ll also feel a little less of a windy feel but still should be chugging right along.

Since a sail will be out almost the entire way when in a broad reach point of sail, it’ll start to feel like you’re going downhill when it comes to the wind.

While your sailboat won’t yet be truly going entirely downwind, you’ll be on the verge of entering it.

While not the fastest point of sail, I’m a personal fan of broad reach since we’re going at a decent speed and it feels much calmer (in terms of the wind speed) than more windward points of sail.

When you let your sails out the most they can go and the wind is coming directly behind your sailboat, you’ll sail downwind and you’re definitely on a running point of sail.

This point of sail can truly feel like you’re running downhill since you have the force of the wind directly propelling you and your sailboat forward. As a matter of fact, it acts a lot like a parachute and really feels great!

Also known as a “dead run”, the running point of sail doesn’t require critical attention to be made on the sail trim.

Depending on the strength of the wind speed, this means you can consider putting up a genoa or spinnaker sail to really get your sailboat moving when sailing directly downwind.

If you feel that the wind is fairly constant in terms of direction and intensity, this is a great time to put those massive colorful sails up!

How a Sail Works

When I first learned how to sail, I thought the sail was always acting kind of like a kite and simply floating across the water. Well, it turns out that it’s a little more complicated and interesting than that!

As I mentioned before, the sail can act in two different ways: as a wing and as a parachute.

When in the close hauled, close reach, and partially the beam reach points of sail your sailboat’s sail is acting a lot like a wing .

Based on the magnitude and angle at which the true wind and sailboat are traveling, the combination of the two will produce an apparent wind force.

The transfer of energy to produce a forward moving force is mainly due to the sail, keel, and hull .

Essentially, the sail catches the wind’s energy forcing the sailboat to tilt to the side followed by resistance to this tilting from the keel allowing the hull to effectively cut through the water with the remaining force.

When in the broad reach and running points of sail, these forces are still at play resulting in a wing-like action, however, in these points of sail the true wind and sailboat forces are much more aligned.

Essentially, this produces more of a parachute effect as opposed to a wing since the apparent wind force is indistinguishable from the other forces.

Related Questions

What is the best point of sail? The best point of sail is based on personal preference, but the fastest and most comfortable point of sail is beam reach. The combination of the lateral force from the wind onto the sail and the resisting force from the keel produces the strongest forward-moving force on a sailboat.

What is the difference between a jib and genoa sail? Both a jib and genoa sail are sails hoisted at the fore of a sailboat with the genoa being larger in size. The genoa sail oftentimes overlaps the mast due to its size and is mainly used when in a running point of sail.

How do you turn a sailboat? Turning a sailboat occurs when performing a tack or jibe (gybe). Tacking happens when a sailboat is turning into the wind, which requires a traversal through the “no-go zone”. Conversely, jibing happens when traversing through the running point of sail.

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40 Sailing Phrases to Know

By: American Sailing American Sailing , Nautical Trivia , Sailing Fun , Sailing History

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified sailors with the ASA sailing curriculum. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are sailing safely and confidently.  

Sailors have a way of speaking, and the sport has its own language. Some sailing phrases are common in everyday language, while others are only really used on a sailboat. The ones common in our everyday language have a nautical origin that will make you a more enlightened sailor, as well. The ones used only on a sailboat? Well, the sailing lifestyle lends itself to a specific language to describe situations and offer comedic relief when we are at the mercy of the conditions, and those will make you smarter and more adaptable in real life as well.

With that, we want to offer 40 sailing phrases you should know, some of which you may already be acquainted with.

Enjoy these sailing phrases, and may the best sailor win at nautical trivia night!

• Batten Down the Hatches – a phrase used to prepare for a storm, or in everyday language, prepare for a difficult upcoming situation.
• Aye Aye, Captain – a form of ”aye aye, sir”. It literally means “yes, yes” and is used in the military to show that the person who says it will follow an order that has been given and will follow it before doing anything else. It also shows the person knows the order and what it is requiring him or her to do.
• Fair Winds and Following Seas – a phrase derived from two original sources that has become a nautical blessing used to wish someone good luck on their journey. Fair winds speak to favorable winds that will carry you home, and following seas speak to the direction of the waves generally pushing you in the direction of your heading.
• Sheet Happens – a humorous phrase used when something goes wrong on a sailing trip. Sheets are the lines that trim sails.
• Ship-shape and Bristol Fashion – a term used to describe something that is in good order or condition. The word is of nautical origin, based on the obligation of a sailor to keep his or her quarters arranged neatly and securely due to the limited space typically allotted to service members aboard ship, and against turbulence at sea. Bristol fashion refers to the port’s days as a bustling port of trade.
• All Hands on Deck – During a storm or other crises, the boatswain’s cry of “all hands on deck” signaled the entire crew to handle the sail. These days it is an entreaty or order for everyone to pitch in and help with a problem or reach a goal.
• Shiver Me Timbers – in everyday language, an exclamation of surprise or excitement. In nautical terms, a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship. In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.
• Walk the Plank – Sailors, usually pirates, set a plank that would hang off the ship’s side and made the punished sailors walk to the end and meet their death in the ocean. Today it’s a metaphor for receiving a punishment or facing a situation beyond one’s control.
• Keel Over – a term used to describe a boat tipping over on its side so far that it capsizes or turns turtle. In every day language, it refers to someone tumbling or falling over.
• Even Keel – The phrase even keel describes a ship that is level and balanced with its keel perpendicular to the surface of the water. Figuratively it has come to mean a calm, stable state of mind. The opposite is to keel over meaning to capsize.
• Taken Aback – A ship is pushed backward when violent winds or a careless helmsman cause the sails to blow rearward against the mast. This sudden predicament could snap the mast or severely damage the rigging. As a figure of speech, taken aback means to be astonished by some unwelcome occurrence.
• Three Sheets to the Wind – a term used to describe someone who is drunk. The sheets are the lines that control the sails on a sailboat. If the lines are not secured — particularly the three which are the two jib sheets and the mainsheet — the sails flop in the wind, and the ship loses headway and control, like a drunk person.
• Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – The “devil” was the topmost plank of the ship’s side closest to the deck. Caulking this long seam in the tight space was a grueling task. One false move and a sailor could find himself plunging into the water. Today someone between the devil and the deep blue sea is in a lousy situation with no good options.
• Let the Cat Out of the Bag – A whip composed of nine pieces of cord with three knots at the striking end, the cat-o’-nine-tails was one of the authorized instruments of punishment in the British Navy until 1881. It was kept in a cloth bag. A sailor who reported the misdeeds of another let the cat out of the bag.
• Scuttlebutt – a nautical term for a water dispenser, but also a term used for gossip or rumors on board a ship. A “butt” was a large wooden drinking water cask where sailors gathered around and swapped rumors and stories. On long voyages, water was rationed by carving a hole in the cask’s side so that it could only be half filled. A cask with a hole was “scuttled.” Not much has changed except we now gossip around a water cooler.
• Anchors Aweigh – a phrase used to describe the moment when an anchor is lifted from the seabed; colloquially it also has come to mean the beginning of a journey.
• A Bone in Her Teeth – a term used to describe a boat that is moving fast through the water creating a prominent bow wave that looks similar to a dog with a bone in its mouth. Has also come to mean someone who is in a hurry.
• Tide Over – To tide over was the technique of alternating between sailing and anchoring when battling headwinds and unfavorable tides. This allowed a boat to hold its position until conditions improved. The term now describes enabling someone to get through a difficult period, most commonly by lending money, or with a child, to give a snack to tide them over until dinner.
• Sailing Close to the Wind – a term used to describe sailing as close to the direction of the wind as possible (any further and you would be in irons and unable to progress). Figuratively, this phrase means to be on the verge of doing something illegal or improper.
• Cast Off – a term used to describe releasing a mooring line or anchor so a vessel can set sail; in everyday language means to “set free”, for obvious reasons!
• Dead Reckoning – used in a navigation sense primarily; a method of navigation based on estimating a ship’s position using previous positions and estimated speed and direction of travel
• Helm’s Alee – a command used when starting to turn the boat through the wind, i.e. tacking. Primarily used on a sailboat, but also an American rock band that started in the early 2000’s in Seattle.
• Square-rigged, and Squared Away – a term used to describe a ship with square sails. To be squared away, a square-rigged ship had its yards (horizontal bars that held up the sail) positioned at right angles to the deck to best catch the wind. Squared away now means to put things in order or a state of readiness.
• A Shot Across the Bow – in everyday language, a warning or threat issued to someone. In the 18th century, navies forced oncoming ships to identify themselves by firing a cannon shot over their bow. If the approaching ship hoisted enemy colors an attack might ensue. Traditionally warships had the right to disguise themselves by sailing under neutral or false flags, but once they went into battle they were required to fly their country’s true colors.
• Crow’s Nest – a platform located high on a mast used as a lookout point. The term is sometimes used metaphorically for the topmost structures in buildings, towers, etc.
• Jibe Ho – a command spoken when jibing, and the sailboat is heading downwind and across the wind. It is a warning to sit down or be clear of the boom before it swings!
• Lower the Boom – The boom is the long horizontal pole that controls the movement of the mainsail. It can deliver sailors a knockout blow if it swings wildly or collapses in heavy weather. These days the phrase means to put a stop to, chastise, or rebuke.
• Headwinds – winds blowing in the opposite direction of the ship’s movement; has also come to mean resistance or opposition to a plan, often referred to as “economic headwinds” in business.
• Sea Legs – the ability to adjust to the motion of a ship and maintain balance; To “have one’s sea legs” is to be able to walk calmly and steadily on a tossing ship, or to become accustomed to a new or strange situation
• Run Aground; or High and Dry – to be run aground is when the bottom of the boat hits the sea floor and stops the boat. For a ship to run aground in a receding tide is to be left high and dry. Getting stuck with the check when everyone else has taken off is also to be left high and dry.
• Dead in the Water – when there is no wind and the water is completely still, giving no chance of any sailing. The phrase also means a proposal or plan with zero chance of success.
• Fathom – a unit of measurement for depth, equal to six feet. This nautical unit of measurement is based on the span of a man’s outstretched arms. The word comes from the Old English “faedem,” to embrace. Sailors measured ocean depths, anchor chains, ropes, and cables in fathoms. Although marines eventually abandoned fathoms for meters, we onshore still reach for the word fathom to express our ability to comprehend, grasp, or get to the bottom of things.
• Gunwale – the upper edge of the side of a boat, pronounced “gunnel”, named for where the guns on a ship would sit. To be “full to the gunnels” means to be completely full.
• In Irons – A sailing vessel is “in irons” when she is trapped in the “No Go Zone”, unable to bear away and begin sailing. The term dates from when criminals aboard old sailing ships were secured to the deck with leg-irons, unable to move.
• Kedge – a smaller anchor used to move the ship slowly in a desired direction. Used primarily in nautical situations, but can be adapted to mean a clever way of moving in a direction when the obvious method won’t work.
• The Cut of One’s Jib – “Jib” is the name of the foresail that controls the general performance of a ship. In everyday life, it also means the way one looks or conducts themselves (usually negative).
• Cup of Joe – The days of rum, beer, and officers’ personal wine supply dried up with the appointment of Josephus Daniels as Secretary of the Navy. In 1914 this stern Methodist and prohibitionist banned “…the use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station.” As a substitute, stewards increased orders for coffee. Naval lore has it that the disgruntled sailors tagged the poor substitute “cup of Josephus Daniels,” and later the shorter “cup of Joe.” That’s one theory, anyway, but one thing we know — any day, aboard a ship or not, deserves its properly caffeinated start!
• Groundswell – Deep ocean waves grow larger as they move over uneven seabeds and are felt as surface undulations. Colloquially, the term describes a widespread surge of public opinion.
• It’s an Ill Wind that Blows No Good – While a sailor could be frustrated by an unfavorable wind, it might be a great wind for a sailor going another direction. This translates into everyday life to mean that what’s bad for one person may be good for another.
• Know the Ropes – Old, tall ships had miles of rigging. Today’s sailboats also have quite a lot of line. Each serves a purpose, and it’s critical for sailors to correctly identify each one. Securing or unlashing the wrong line at the wrong time could be catastrophic, or at least cause you to lose the regatta. In sailing and in real life, to be well versed and familiar is to know the ropes.

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The 6 Points of Sail: Diagram of Wind Direction and Sail Trim

Points of sail are the different angles at which a sailboat can sail in relation to the wind. Understanding these points is crucial for anyone who wants to learn how to sail, and it’s usually taught in sailing schools. Each point has its own characteristics that determine the boat’s speed and direction.

The main points of sail are:

• Into the wind: The no-sail zone
• Close-hauled: Sailing as close to the wind direction as possible.
• Close reach: Sailing between a beam reach and close-hauled, at an angle to the wind.
• Beam reach: Sailing perpendicular to the wind, with the wind hitting the side of the sail.
• Broad reach: Sailing with the wind coming from behind at an angle.
• Running: Sailing directly downwind, with the wind coming from behind.

Understanding how to navigate through each point of sail effectively takes practice and patience. It’s important to know your boat’s capabilities and limitations so you can adjust your technique accordingly.

Points of Sail

To comprehend the points of sail, it is essential to grasp the relationship between a sailboat’s trajectory and the direction of the true wind. The points of sail encompass a full 360-degree circle, each segment representing a distinct sailing direction.

1. In Irons (Into the Wind)

Embarking on our journey, we encounter the point of sail known as “into the wind” or “in irons.” This position aligns your sailboat directly into the wind, within a range of plus or minus 45 degrees from 0 degrees. While this point of sail hinders forward progress, it serves as a pivotal moment for executing various sailing maneuvers, such as tacking and mast adjustments.

Tacking involves transitioning from one side of the wind to the other, crossing the into the wind point of sail. It is crucial to navigate this maneuver swiftly, as prolonged exposure in this “no-go zone” can impede momentum. Should you fail to traverse this point expediently and become stuck, it is referred to as being “taken aback.”

2. Close Hauled

Advancing beyond the into the wind point of sail, we arrive at the close hauled position. Sailing close hauled refers to navigating upwind, moving toward the wind’s direction. This point of sail, often referred to as “beating” or “working windward,” offers an intimate connection with the wind, enriching your experience as both captain and crew member.

During close hauled sailing, your sail assumes the role of an airplane wing, cutting through the wind head-on and generating optimal lift. Precise sail trim is paramount in this configuration, with tighter adjustments maximizing the sailboat’s ability to “point” towards the wind and optimize performance.

3. Close Reach

Continuing our voyage, we transition from close hauled to the close reach point of sail. Positioned between close hauled and beam reach, this segment represents a thrilling and rapid sailing direction. Sailors often revel in the exhilaration offered by the close reach point of sail.

Close reach resides closest to the “no-go zone” compared to other points of sail. It’s important to pay close attention to the wind and how the sails are set when sailing close reach. The sail needs to be tight, like when sailing close hauled, but loose enough so it’s just not luffing . This will help the boat sail efficiently when sailing upwind.

4. Beam Reach

As our sailboat maneuvers further away from the wind’s direction, we arrive at the beam reach point of sail. In this configuration, the sailboat is perpendicular to the wind, either on the starboard or port side. Notably, the beam reach point of sail boasts both speed and comfort, making it a preferred choice among sailors.

At beam reach, your sails are partially let out, the wind’s interaction with the sails in this position optimizes energy transfer from the lateral force to forward propulsion. The result is a harmonious conversion of wind power into the sailboat’s forward motion, ensuring an exhilarating and controlled sailing experience.

5. Broad Reach

Progressing from the beam reach, we venture into the realm of the broad reach point of sail. As we veer further downwind, the sails are let out approximately two-thirds of their capacity. At this stage, the wind doesn’t approache directly from astern but at an angle. As a consequence, the sail begins to function more like a parachute, relying on air resistance to maintain momentum.

While sailing on a broad reach, you will experience a less intense sensation of wind, yet your sailboat will continue to make steady progress. The sailboat’s orientation during this point of sail evokes a sense of descending down a slope. The serenity of the wind’s speed, coupled with the reliable forward movement, makes the broad reach a personal favorite among many sailors.

Our final point of sail brings us to the running point—a sailboat’s true downwind trajectory. In this configuration, the sails are fully let out, allowing the wind to propel the sailboat directly from behind. The experience of sailing on a running point is akin to running downhill, with the force of the wind acting as a powerful propeller.

Also known as a “dead run,” the running point of sail demands minimal attention to sail trim but requires careful attention to prevent an accidental jibe. Depending on wind conditions, this point presents an opportunity to hoist a gennaker or spinnaker sail, optimizing the sailboat’s performance when sailing directly downwind. The consistent wind direction and intensity make it an ideal moment to embrace the vibrant colors and expansive sails.

Conclusion for Points of Sail

In conclusion, understanding the fundamentals of sailing directions is crucial for any sailor. Knowing how to navigate each point of sail can make the difference between a successful voyage and a disastrous one. From sailing into the wind to running downwind with ease, each direction presents its own set of challenges and rewards.

Close hauled and close reach requires precision and skill, while beam reach provides a comfortable ride, and broad reach allows for thrilling surfing. Running downwind requires careful attention to prevent an accidental jibe.

As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Take time to familiarize yourself with each point of sail and experiment with different techniques. With patience and perseverance, you will soon become proficient in navigating all directions.

Remember that safety should always come first when out on the water. Always wear appropriate gear and follow proper procedures to ensure a safe journey.

How do I determine the point of sail I’m on?

To determine your point of sail, observe the angle of the wind relative to your boat. Look at the direction the wind is coming from and compare it to the direction your boat is heading. Adjust your sails accordingly to optimize your performance and balance.

What constitutes the best point of sail?

Determining the best point of sail is subjective and varies based on personal preference. However, the beam reach point of sail stands out as the fastest and most comfortable configuration. The optimal balance between lateral wind force and resisting keel force facilitates unparalleled forward movement on a sailboat.

How does the point of sail affect the boat’s heel?

The point of sail has a significant impact on a boat’s heel or stability. When sailing upwind, the boat tends to heel more due to the higher force generated by the sails. As you bear away and sail downwind, the boat’s heel decreases, and it becomes more stable. Proper sail trim can help maintain a balanced heel and overall stability throughout different points of sail.

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If you didn’t grow up sailing, how long did it take you to figure out what sailors mean when they say “put the bow down?” After hearing from newer sailors that the language of racing is hard to decipher, we decided to create a glossary of racing terms and phrases.

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Racing Terms and Phrases for Newer Sailors

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Ironing out those irons

The most common mistake beginners make when trying to tack is to get the boat stuck in the no-sail zone, dead in the water with no maneuverability. Just like on a car, the steering wheel or tiller has no effect if your boat isn't moving. Being stuck head-to-wind in the no-sail zone is called being in irons. (Some interesting reason going back to the days of the square riggers must explain why this situation is called "in irons," but that's a story for another day.) You get in irons when you don't turn the boat all the way through the no-sail zone during a tack, or if you turn too slowly during a tack, or when you try to sail too close to the wind direction.

A tack, to tack, on a tack, tic-tack-toe

The word tack has many meanings in sailing. The bottom front corner of a sail is the tack. The noun tack also refers to the boat's heading in relation to the wind (that is, on starboardor port tack). Tacking is the act of changing tacks by turning through the wind, entering the no-sail zone from one side and exiting the other.

Figure 5-10:

The steps to tacking.

Tack complete. Helmsman and crew are sitting on new side and checking trim.

Helmsman straightens tiller as soon as boat is on new course.

^ Helmsman continues turn.

[4 As boat passes head-to-wind, helmsman and crew j cross the boat under the boom.

As jib luffs, crew releases old jib sheet and pulls

"Tacking."

Helmsman pushes tiller away to begin tack.

"Ready to tack." Sails are properly trimmed before the tack.

To get out of irons and moving again on a boat without a jib, follow these steps:

1. Uncleat or release the mainsheet.

And keep it released until your boat has turned all the way to a close reach. Your boat needs the mainsheet eased to be able to rotate out of the no-sail zone.

2. Push the tiller (or turn the wheel) to one side.

Keep the helm hard over until the boat backs away to a close-reaching position. Be patient; the boat turns as it starts to go backwards. Basically, you're doing the sailing equivalent of a three-point turn. To speed up the process, you can push on the boom to back the mainsail (fill it backwards) and help the boat go in reverse.

3. Trim the sails and steer straight (don't pinch!).

You're off!

Sounds easy, right? But beginning sailors are impatient and tend to steer back and forth as they go backward, remaining stuck in irons. Just leave the helm hard over to one side or the other until you're on a reaching heading.

If your boat has a jib, you have an additional and powerful tool for escaping from the clutches of the no-sail zone. To get out of irons on a boat with a jib, follow these steps:

1. Pull the jib sheet taut on one side and put the tiller to the opposite side.

If you're pointed head to wind, either side works equally well. The jib fills backwards and pushes the bow as Figure 5-11 shows.

2. Keep your mainsheet loose so that the main doesn't fill until the boat rotates around and is pointed on a reaching course.

Keep the tiller hard over on the side opposite the jib. With a wheel, you turn toward the jib.

3. Release the jib sheet and trim both sails in on the "proper" side as the boat accelerates.

4. Straighten out the tiller or wheel to avoid turning back up into the wind when the boat begins to move forward again.

SAYs I can remember the first time I ever soloed a sailboat, when I was about 13

years old. I was halfway out into the harbor when it happened — I got caught in irons. Back then, I had no idea what was going on, except for the obvious fact that the boat wasn't moving at all. My sailing instructor came up to me in a motorboat and said, "Ya know you're doing something wrong," which was, of course, patently obvious. Only later did I realize that I'd been caught in irons. You can't avoid getting caught in irons as a beginning sailor, so be prepared for when it happens!

Figure 5-11:

Get out of irons by pushing the tiller to one side and the jib to the other.

Escaping on starboard tack: Back jib on right, push tiller left.

NO SAIL ZONE

Jib sheet pulled tight.

Escaping on port tack: Back jib on left, push tiller right.

Continue reading here: Jibing Turning away from the wind

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Readers' Questions

How to get a boat out of irons?

To get a boat out of irons, follow these steps: Release the mainsail and jib sheets to help the boat move more freely. Use the rudder to steer the boat away from the wind. This will help the boat gather momentum and begin to move. If necessary, use a paddle or oar to help push the boat out of irons and into a more advantageous position. Once the boat is moving in the desired direction, trim the sails to catch the wind and continue sailing. Avoid getting back into irons by maintaining good sail trim and steering to keep the boat moving smoothly.

Phil Wrzesinski, Speaker, Author, Educator

Home » Don’t Get Stuck in Irons

Don’t Get Stuck in Irons

As I tell my sailors every morning, we cannot control the wind, but we can control the direction of our boat and the trim of our sails. Time and time again we talk about how sailboats cannot sail directly into the wind, only at angles to the wind. When your boat is pointing directly into the wind, it is called being in “irons” because you feel shackled and cannot move forward.

In fact, one of the commands we shout during turning is, “Hard to the lee!” which means the helmsman must push the tiller hard to the leeward side of the boat to make the boat turn. We don’t say, “Easy to the lee,” or, “Gradually to the lee.” The command is “Hard!” Commit fully to the turn and do it hard and fast.

That lesson applies to your business as well. If you need to change your business—maybe change the way you are advertising , or change the way you are hiring , or change the way you are pricing , or change the way you service your customers —the best way to make that change is hard and fast. Commit fully to the change and get it done.

When sailboats turn fast, they do tip a little. Smart sailors are prepared for this and use it to their advantage to keep their boat speed up. When you make hard, fast changes, your business will tip a little. If you have prepared well for the change, you’ll be back up to speed quickly.

If you try to make a gradual change, however, you’ll get stuck halfway between the old way and the new way. You’ll give the employees and customers who hate change (no matter how necessary) more time to build up their defenses against it. You’ll be stuck in irons, unable to complete the change and move forward.

You cannot control the economy, but you can control the direction your business is facing and how you operate it. When it comes time to make a change, pick a direction and go there hard and fast.

-Phil Wrzesinski www.PhilsForum.com

PS Change is not easy. Even in sailing I teach my kids to first commit hard to one direction and don’t change directions until necessary. We also plan our changes well in advance. Take all the time you need to plan your change so that when you start the change, you can make it hard and fast. The better you plan, the more smoothly it will happen. I spent most of 2005 and part of 2006 planning a new layout for our store. We were able to move every single product and every single shelving unit in a 30,000 sq ft store including the location of our six cash registers in just three days. In other words … Plan Slow and Change Fast. That’s how you keep a sailboat and a business humming along.

PPS Sometimes the wind changes directions and you find your boat stuck in irons without warning. The faster you notice, the easier it is to adjust your boat and get unstuck. Sometimes the economy or the industry or the traffic changes. The faster you notice, the easier it is to adjust your business and get unstuck.

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Getting out of Irons

Published by admin on may 27, 2019 may 27, 2019.

If you do end up in irons, you can simply wait until the wind and current pushes you one way or the other and you’re able to fill your sails again. You can also speed things along by turning the rudder hard to one side. The wind will tend to slowly push the boat backwards and turn you in the opposite direction as you’d move if you had headway. The process can be helped along further by holding the jib on the opposite side of the boat.

Getting Out of Irons

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Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Sailing is all about physics and geometry but don’t worry, it’s not too hard to learn. Once the theory is down, it’s all a matter of practice. Let’s look at what sails are and how they work.

Book a sailboat rental & set out on your next expedition

Aerodynamics, hydrodynamics & modern sails

Sails work like airplane wings, except they’re vertical rather than horizontal. As the wind hits the front of a curved sail, it splits, passing on both the downwind (leeward) side and upwind (windward) side.

The leeward wind travels farther due to the curvature of the sail and creates a low-pressure area while the windward wind travels a shorter distance and reaches the aft end faster – together, they create aerodynamic lift that “pulls” the boat forward .

The keel or centerboard in the water below the hull prevents the boat from being pushed sideways. With the lift of the sails and the lateral push or hydrodynamics of the keel, the boat is propelled forward. Where the wind concentrates force in the sails is called the center of effort, while the keel below is called the center of lateral resistance.

Most modern sailboats have a forward (or headsail) and a mainsail. The headsail may be called a genoa, jib, or staysail (different sizes) and is attached at the top of the mast and leads down at an angle to the bow . It’s controlled by lines called sheets. The mainsail is supported by the mast and is attached at the bottom to a lateral spar called the boom.

Parts of a sail

Sails come in various shapes, but for our purposes, we will focus on modern, triangular sails. The top of the sail is called the head , and the bottom is the foot. The forward end of the foot is the tack, and the aft end is the clew. The forward edge of the sail is the luff, and the aft end is the leach.

Telltales or short strands of yarn are often attached near the leading edge of a sail to help with sail trim. The shape of the sail is ideal when the strands on both sides are streaming back at the same level, which indicates that wind is moving evenly along both sides of the sail.

READ MORE: Parts of a Sailboat

Points of sail

A boat cannot sail directly into the wind– instead, it sails at an angle to the true breeze. Close hauled is roughly 45 degrees off the wind, close reach is 60 degrees, beam reach is at 90 degrees, and a broad reach is approximately 150 degrees off the wind.

When moving directly or dead downwind, a boat is said to be running, and when the bow is pointed into the wind, that’s called being in irons. A boat cannot sail in irons and can be hard to control when running. When sails begin to luff at the leading edge, the boat is trying to sail too close to the wind and will stall.

Tacking and jibing (gybing)

A boat changes direction by either tacking or jibing. Sailing upwind, a boat tacks when the bow passes through the eye of the wind until the boat is sailing on the opposite side or “tack” creating a zig-zag course. When sailing downwind, the boat jibes when passing the stern through the wind.

Turning upwind is called heading up and turning away, or downwind is falling off. When the wind passes over the starboard rail first, you’re on a starboard tack and vice versa.

Pro Tip: You can learn how to sail without owning a sailboat. Find a sailboat rental near you , then book! You can save that boat listing and book again to continue practicing.

Sail shape & angle

Boats sail in true wind (the wind that is actually blowing at a given speed and angle) by they’re actually responding to the apparent wind (the angle and speed of the breeze that is felt once the boat is moving). The wind always changes speed and angle, so sails must be adjusted or trimmed in response to the boat to maintain optimal speed.

When sailing upwind, the sails are sheeted in (made flatter by pulling in the sheet lines) to create better foils and greater lift or pull. When sailing downwind, sails are usually loosened or let out to create a “belly” and adjusted to be as perpendicular to the angle of the wind as possible.

Sheeting in (bringing the sails closer to the centerline) enables the boat to point higher (sail closer to the true wind) while easing out (loosening the aft end of the sail) creates more power when the wind is aft like around the beam or broad reach.

A boat is more likely to heel when sheeted in and sailing upwind. Excessive healing doesn’t mean the boat is traveling faster. In fact, it may just be getting overpowered and becoming less efficient than if the sails were trimmed properly.

In high winds, shorten or reef sails so the boat doesn’t become overpowered and potentially dangerous. Reefing is done at the tack and clue or the forward and aft parts of the foot of the sail. There may be 1-3 pre-rigged reefing points controlled by reefing lines, so the sails can be made as small as necessary to keep the boat from heeling too far.

Easy to learn

Trimming sails takes time to master; let sails out until they luff or flap, and then sheet in until you feel the boat pick up speed. Smaller boats react quickly to each adjustment and are better for new sailors to learn on than large boats that take a minute to speed up or slow down. Once you’ve mastered the theory, you may spend years perfecting your sailing skills.

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

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Getting Out Of Irons

• Thread starter Don Guillette
• Start date Jun 27, 2005
• Featured Contributors
• Sail Trim with Don Guillette

Don Guillette

Jack W of NY made me think of the above subject as part of how he gets out of heaving to.Inevitably, a sailor will one day get stuck in irons. There are a couple of ways to get out of irons. What are they? The simplest and quickest ways are always the best choices. Starting the engine is not one of them!! You've bought a sail boat to sail it and you may as well know how to use the sails to get out of situations you find yourself in.Once we get the answers from our group of expert sail trimmers, do yourself a favor and take the info and put yourself in irons and see how easy it is to sail out of it. Do it when you have friends on board - they'll think your Dennis Conner!!!  

Amusing thought I remember a story about one of the Americas Cup boats getting in irons. The competitor sailed around them throwing garbage. The boat in irons was not able to recover on her own.As far as a cruising boat; I don't know if it was the current or the jib which got us sailing again! Or it could have been the Capt. jumping about screaming.  

Seattle Scott

Push the boom out, rudder to same side and away you go .. .. the other way.  

Fall off and jibe through to your new point of sail.I think that the jibe is so feared that people avoid it. The jibe has many advantages and with practice in light air can be mastered to a high confidence level. With practice you can learn to follow the main sheet (sheeting it in and easing it out ) so that hard torques, stresses and those slamming booms can be avoided. This can all be done single handed while keeping the jib from hourglassing the forestay. The question asked how do you get out of irons. (For us Lake sailors) It did not say how do you keep from running aground when in irons. For us lake sailors, we try to get as much out of a tack as possible and wind shifts ( then again sometimes the wind is deflected down a tree lined shore enough to gain as much as 100 yards of even to clear a point to continue the tack) can put you in irons right now. When I am trying to get the most out of a tack near shore, if I have a wind shift and know it will put me in irons, I let everything run (Jib and main sheets)to stop forward speed so that I still have room to fall off and jibe.All of this is assumming that you were in irons either due to a wind shift with forward momentum or going to irons by lack of speed trying to tack.r.w.landau  

Dumb Questoin Hate to ask...but what does it mean to be in the irons?  

Rick Macdonald

Getting unstuck I had to read R.W.'s post a few times to realize that he's not describing how to get unstuck, but how to _avoid_ getting stuck in the first place.That's fine, but it won't help you if you or a crew gets you stuck when you least need it.I haven't been in irons in my boat (Hunter 23.5) or any other big boat come to think of it, but it happened several times in dingies last October at a resort in Mexico. They had Hobie Cats and Sunfish and I got stuck every time until I discovered that you really have to crank the rudder and turn fast before the speed was all gone. I assume that's standard dingy sailing technique?To get out of irons, I just sat until the boat started drifting straight backwards, then cranked the rudder one way or another to turn the stern while "backing up". Then sheet in the main a bit so the wind catches it and off you go, sailing forwards.Pushing on the boom didn't work for me, but I didn't know about pushing the rudder (or is it the tiller?) to the same side. (Thanks, Scott for that one!)I need to try both methods on my boat to see what works. Like heaving-to, one should go out and perfect these simple but crucial techniques so you have them when you need them....RickM...  

No such thing ...as a dumb question!"In irons" is when you get stuck exactly head to wind, so the jib and main are luffing down the centerline of the boat, and you've lost all forward movement. The sails and rudder are all useless and you're stuck, as if chained in irons.I guess it can happen for various reasons in various conditions. For me it's from a very slow tack in a light boat as I described in a previous post. I sail on a lake but I expect that wave action can be a factor?There are various ways to help not getting stuck, such as turning more quickly. Another is to not let go of the jib sheet so early. Let the back-winded jib help push the bow through the tack before letting go....RickM...  

Backwind Set the jib to one side to backwind it, release the main, set the rudder straight. The bow should blow off the wind. After the bow is far enough off wind reset the main and jib.  

R. W. I was scrolling thru the posts, without reading who the author was, and immediately thought to my self...." That describes Lake Arthur"!Was up there last week with my father-in-law, and had a terrific sail up around 422 then up Big Run to the boat ramp at the end. If the wind is right, that's a nice scenic sail.  

Way Back When... ...I bought my first sailboat, a Sunfish, a book described how to get out of "irons".First, with a large boat, I would personally suggest starting the engine if you are in an uncomfortable situation without room to maneuver.Otherwise, the book said to cock the rudder to what would be the leeward side. Let the wind blow you backwards until the stern shifts and the sails catch wind and send you on your way. I do this with my L37 when sailing off of a mooring and it works fine. Hint: just account for some sideslip until you get moving.  

Ranger Paul18580

Aim Tiller/Rudder Where U Want to Go I have trouble remembering which way to turn the tiller when sailing backwards. Then I read or heard somewhere that you simply point the tiller (or rudder for those boats with wheels) in the direction you want to go. Far easier to remember. I do this all the time in my Geary 18 dinghy when backing away from a launch dock. Not so easy in my Hunter 216 as the large bow freeboard tends to blow the bow downwind and I find it hard to sail backwards without the bow simply deciding on its own to turn the boat.  

Rick you are right. I was pointing out ways to avoid IRONS. Lake sailing is an all concentration type of thing where I sail. So, Irons does not often occur. I am talking tacking every few minutes or more( if the wind is up).This only make me more anxious to hear Don's response. Mike, Lake Authur is unique is it not? It is very fun lake to sail because the wind is never in favor of anyone. Good sailors, new sailors, when it comes to the wind there is never a consistant answer. Shorelines, valleys, the wind choses to change from 90 to 180 degrees at any moment. As frustrating as it is, it is a wonderful teacher. This lake makes you work at sailing every second you are sailing if you are racing (fun or not). Then again there are days I proclaim to be a trawler and go fishing. It is a great lake for both sailing and fishing. My boat is an O'Day 25 and the name is "CONTINUANCE" if you see it, stop by! I assume you were racing with the SCOTTS last weekend. They are fun boats. You own the boat I want!EDITED: Don owns the boat I want. the Catalina 30. My brother just bought one in FLA.r.w.landau  

Mike, like I said.... Some times you need to chill. Last weekend I anchored near the rental area and took this picture then lured four boats into tieing together . At one time, all 8 people were floating in the water trying to cool down from the over 90 degree heat. The lake surface temp was about 80 degrees.Sorry the boom tent was not trimed.r.w.landau  

Mates: How this subject came up was a while back I met a young couple at a sail trim discussion and they asked me if I could explain how to get out of irons as they had gotten stuck in that situation a couple of times and did not know what to do other than start the engine. They said they were too embarrased to ask the question during the presentation. I felt bad about that and told them more sailors than they could imagine don't know how to get out of irons. Even America Cup boats sometimes get stuck and have an awful time getting out of irons. I've seen a lot of racers get stuck at the start line and it is interesting watching them get out of the situation they got themselves into. Primarily, getting stuck happens when you don't have enough speed to get through a tack. There are a couple of ways to get out of irons. Assume your sailing with just the main as a lot of mates like to do. What you do is physically push the boom out about half way until the mainsail fills with air. The boat will start sailing backwards but don't let that worry you. What is happening is called "backing the main" and all you have to do is steer in reverse. By that I mean, turn the rudder the opposite way you want to go. Soon the wind will come over the side of the boat and you'll start moving forward. Now trim the mainsheet, but not too much. If you trim in too much you'll be back in irons again. How much is too much - I don't know, you'll have to experiment with your boat.Assume you are sailing with the main and jib and you get in irons. Simply back the jib by physically holding the clew out to one side. Again, you'll start to sail backwards but shortly the jib will push the bow over and you will start sailing forward. Trim the jib and main to pick up speed. Actually, if you have enough hands on board, you can back both the jib and main at the same time and you'll get out of irons much quicker.Another method is to do nothing!! The boat will start to sail backwards by itself and you can use the rudder to get yourself going forward. You can use the "nothing method" if you have sea room. In my case, I could not do nothing or I'd have sailed backwards into the breakwater. If you are going to use the nothing method I suggest you practice it once or twice. It is a funny feeling sailing the boat backwards!!My suggestion is that the next time your on the water, put yourself in irons on purpose and practice how to get yourself out - use all 3 methods. You may never need it but it just adds to your sailing knowledge. I don't care how good a mates thinks he can sail, he will someday get into irons - it is inevitable and we all have at one time or another.  

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