Windward/Leeward (Sailing Terms)

Windward and leeward are terms used in sailing to describe the relative positions of a boat and the wind. Windward refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing—so, if you're sailing against the wind, you're heading windward. Leeward is the opposite side, away from the wind; it's downwind. When sailing, understanding these directions helps sailors navigate, choose optimal sails, and position the boat for efficient movement. In essence, windward is toward the wind source, and leeward is away from it, guiding strategic decisions during a race or voyage.