Which statement correctly describes upwind sailing?

• A. Upwind sailing: close-hauled, close reach
• B. Upwind sailing: beam reach
• C. Upwind sailing: broad reach
• D. Upwind sailing: run

Answer: (A)

Sailing upwind means heading toward the wind, not directly into it. The two most upwind positions you can sail are close-hauled, with sails pulled in tight and the boat pointed as close to the wind as practical, and close reach, where the wind is still from ahead but you have a bit more sail ease for speed. The other options describe points of sail with the wind from the side (beam reach), from somewhat off the wind (broad reach), or from behind (downwind/run), which are not considered upwind. So, upwind sailing corresponds to close-hauled and close reach.