What term describes wind that shifts in a counterclockwise direction?

• A. Backing wind
• B. Clocking wind
• C. Lift
• D. Header

Answer: (A)

Back winds are described as backing wind. This means the wind direction shifts in a counterclockwise sense over time—the wind may go from east to northeast to north, for example. In contrast, veering would be a clockwise shift. So the term that specifically describes a counterclockwise shift is backing wind. Lift and header describe how a wind shift affects your sailing angle relative to the wind (whether you can sail closer to the wind or you’ll need to fall off), not the direction of the shift itself.