Windward is the side the wind comes from, leeward the side it blows toward.
Windward is the side or direction the wind is coming from; leeward (spoken loo-ard) is the side it blows toward. They apply to anything: the windward side of the boat, a buoy to leeward, the leeward shore of an island.
Where it matters
- Shelter. The leeward side of an island or harbour wall is sheltered from wind and waves, and that's where you look for an anchorage.
- Lee shore. A shore to leeward of the boat is the one the wind pushes you toward. In strong wind it's dangerous; give it plenty of room.
- Right of way. When two sailboats are on the same tack, the windward boat keeps out of the way of the leeward one. See right of way when sailing.
- Getting there. A destination to windward has to be reached close-hauled, tack by tack; one to leeward lies on a broad reach or a run.
Related words
- Head up. Turn toward the wind. Bear away. Turn away from it.
- Weather helm. The boat tends to turn toward the wind on its own. Lee helm. The boat tends to turn away from it.
- Leeway. The boat's sideways drift to leeward.