Coming Up Meaning in Sailing

Coming up describes the act of steering the boat closer to the direction of wind. The sailor moves the tiller or wheel to turn the bow toward the breeze. This action usually causes the boat to lean more and can decrease the speed. The crew must tighten the sails to maintain the correct angle for the new heading. This maneuver is the opposite of bearing away which involves turning away from the wind. One specific example involves a sailor coming up to avoid hitting a floating buoy. The boat turns toward the wind and the sails become tighter and more efficient. This adjustment helps the boat reach a destination that is located further upwind on map. Proper steering ensures the boat does not turn too far and stop the forward motion. Understanding this term helps the crew react quickly to directions from the captain or driver. This simple movement is a key part of fine tuning the course during travel.