Copyright © 2009 by Shel Miller  Contact SchoolofSailing.net here, by phone: 802 578-3524, or by snail mail: 150 Dorset St. PMB 169; S. Burlington, VT 05403 USA  School of Sailing Florida location: 922 N.E. 20 Ave.; Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA  Points of sail are defined by the angle of the wind coming over the boat relative to the bow. Looking straight  ahead at the bow would be looking towards the top of the clock or, 12 o'clock.  Running.  This puts us directly downwind with the sails let out at right angles to the centerline of the boat.  The wind is at a relative bearing of 6 o'clock. We want to expose as much sail area as possible. Sail trim is not  critical, small adjustments don't make much difference in our boat speed. Note: The standing rigging on most  boats will not allow the mainsail to eased far enough out. That's ok, let it out to the point just before the sail  touches any rigging (so as to prevent chafe) then tension the boom vang to bring the boom down.  Broad Reach.  Here the wind is over one of our back shoulders or at a relative bearing of about 4 o'clock or  8 o'clock. We may adjust the sails but sail trim is not critical. Just as in running above we probably won't be  able to let the mainsail out beyond just where it starts to touch the rigging.  134 Points of Sail 