close-hauled

The wind was in the north-east, and the Agile was almost close-hauled, while the others had the wind broad on their quarters.

It was blowing a whole-sail breeze, too fresh for the lighter canvas; the royals were furled as soon as close-hauled.

Break off: A vessel when close-hauled is said to break off when the wind comes more ahead.

Ease the helm: To put the helm down when close-hauled, so that a vessel's head may enter a sea fairly.

Close-hauled: When a vessel's sheets are hauled so flat that she sails as near the wind as possible.