Sailing the boat within roughly 30 degrees either side of dead
downwind is called a run. This can be the most comfortable point of
sail, but requires constant attention. When the wind is coming directly
behind the boat, the sailor must sail "wing on wing," one sail on port
the other on starboard. Loss of attention by the helmsperson can lead to
an accidental jibe,
causing injury to the boat or crew. All on deck must be aware of, and
if possible avoid, the potential arc of the boom, mainsheet and other
gear in case an accidental jibe occurs during a run. A preventer can be rigged to reduce danger and damage from accidental jibes.
This is generally the most unstable point of sail, but the easiest
for a novice to grasp conceptually, making it a common downfall for
beginners. In stronger winds, rolling increases as there is less rolling
resistance provided by the sails, as they are eased out. Also, having
the sails and boom(s) perpendicular to the boat throws weight and some
wind force to that side, making the boat harder to balance. In smaller
boats, death rolls can build up and lead to capsize.
Also on a run an inexperienced or inattentive sailor can easily misjudge the real wind strength since the boat speed subtracts directly from the true wind speed and makes the apparent wind less. In addition sea conditions can also falsely seem milder than they are as the waves ahead are being viewed from behind making white caps less apparent. When changing course from this point of sail to a reach or a beat, a sailboat that seemed under control can instantly become over-canvassed and in danger. Any boat over-canvassed on a run can round up, heel excessively and stop suddenly in the water. This is called broaching and it can lead to capsize, possible crew injury and loss of crew into the water.
Options for maneuvering are also reduced. On other points of sail, it is easy to stop or slow the boat by heading into the wind; there may be no such easy way out when running, especially in close quarters or when a spinnaker (including an Asymmetrical spinnaker), whisker pole or preventer are set.
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| Running wing and wing |
Also on a run an inexperienced or inattentive sailor can easily misjudge the real wind strength since the boat speed subtracts directly from the true wind speed and makes the apparent wind less. In addition sea conditions can also falsely seem milder than they are as the waves ahead are being viewed from behind making white caps less apparent. When changing course from this point of sail to a reach or a beat, a sailboat that seemed under control can instantly become over-canvassed and in danger. Any boat over-canvassed on a run can round up, heel excessively and stop suddenly in the water. This is called broaching and it can lead to capsize, possible crew injury and loss of crew into the water.
Options for maneuvering are also reduced. On other points of sail, it is easy to stop or slow the boat by heading into the wind; there may be no such easy way out when running, especially in close quarters or when a spinnaker (including an Asymmetrical spinnaker), whisker pole or preventer are set.