American Sailing Association (ASA) 104 Practice Exam 2026 – Your Complete Guide to Sailing Mastery and Success!

To "bear away" in sailing refers to the maneuver of changing the vessel's course away from the wind. When a sailor bears away, they typically aim to turn the bow of the boat further downwind, allowing the sails to catch more wind and thereby increase the boat's speed. This can be especially useful when transitioning from a close-hauled course to a more favorable point of sailing, such as reaching or running.

In this context, it's crucial to understand the relationship between wind direction and sail performance. When a boat is close to the wind (close-hauled), the sails are trimmed in tight. By bearing away, the sail area is opened to the wind, enabling the boat to sail more efficiently and often increase its speed. This makes the concept of "bearing away" a fundamental maneuver that experienced sailors frequently employ to optimize their sailing performance.