Bearing away

What does bearing away mean in sailing?

Bearing away refers to changing a sailboat's course away from the wind toward the leeward side. The rudder is turned to windward, causing the bow to move away from the wind and allowing the wind to hit the sails from further aft. This maneuver is used to transition to a broad reach or downwind course.
When bearing away, it’s essential to ease the sheets (loosen the sails) to ensure they are optimally positioned for the wind direction.

The opposite of bearing away is heading up.

Practical tip:

Practice bearing away in light wind conditions to master the maneuver safely. Ensure the sails are eased along with the course adjustment and keep the boat steady, especially in gusty conditions.