Astern Meaning in Sailing

Astern describes a position or movement toward the back of a sailing vessel. This term identifies objects located behind the boat or a direction of travel. A captain moves the boat astern to back out of a tight slip. The crew looks astern to check for any trailing ropes in the water. This area is the opposite of ahead or toward the front of the boat. Navigators use this reference to describe the location of other boats in a fleet. Moving astern requires careful steering to avoid hitting any obstacles or nearby docks. Knowing what lies astern ensures the safety of the boat during all reverse maneuvers.