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What Are the Five Points of Sailing?

Our boat tour agency team is proud to operate the “Kai Kanani II,” the only commercial catamaran in South Maui. Catamarans are a type of sailing vessel that is much more spacious and, with a shallower draft, enable us to glide into shallower spaces compared to a monohull sailboat. Yet, while there are differences between a catamaran sailboat and a monohull sailboat, both still operate using the same sailing physics. This means that we get a lot of questions about sailing in general, including, “What are the five points of sailing?”

If you are looking to learn more about sailing in general, then the five points of sailing are fundamental questions to ask. The five points of sailing refer to the five different angles a sailboat can effectively sail relative to the direction the wind is blowing.

The easiest way to picture the five points of sailing is to think of a clock and imagine that wind is blowing from the top of the clock, the 12 o’clock mark, down to the 6 o’clock mark. You cannot sail directly into the wind. Doing so puts the boat in what is called “in irons” as the sails will flap, unable to correctly use the wind as a foil due to the direction.

Once you change the boat’s angle about the wind, you start entering the five points of sail. Those five points of sailing are as follows:

Close-hauled. This point of sail is when the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible without falling into irons.
Close reach. Close reaching is when the boat starts to bear away from the wind.
Beam reach. Here, you are at a 90-degree angle from where the wind is blowing.
Broad reach. This point of sail is the opposite of the close reach, but rather than using the wind across the front of the sail, the wind propels the boat from the back as the boat sails away from the wind.
Running. Running is when the boat is directly opposite the wind’s direction and can be said to be sailing downwind.

Learn more about sailing by scheduling a boat tour on our catamaran, the gorgeous “Kai Kanani II.”

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Those who embrace snorkeling in Maui enjoy a fantastic experience that opens their eyes to some of the most beautiful undersea wonders. Before exploring the coral reefs and sparkling fish, it’s essential to be fully prepared for a safe snorkeling adventure. At Kai Kanani, we recommend planning your attire intentionally by selecting the best color to wear while snorkeling.

Why the Color You Wear Snorkeling Matters

Choosing a color to wear while snorkeling is not necessarily about what looks good or is trendy. You will likely be out on the ocean in a remote location under the guidance of a certified instructor. As a result, it’s important not to wear colors that blend into the deep blue waters and make it difficult to be seen. Therefore, it’s generally good practice to avoid navy blue, black, and other dark colors.

What Are the Best Colors to Wear When Snorkeling?

If you find the water cool and wear a wetsuit, you may have little choice regarding its color, as wetsuits are predominately black. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to accessorize with a bright snorkeling vest, making it easier for tour instructors to locate you. Whether you choose to wear a swimsuit or a snorkeling vest, these rank among the best colors to wear when snorkeling in terms of visibility:

Orange

Yellow

Light Red or Pink

Bright Greens

If your go-to swimsuit is dark, adding a colorful floatation device creates a visual contrast that’s easy for your guide to identify. The best color to wear snorkeling isn’t the one that makes a fashion statement — it’s the one that keeps everyone safe and creates positive memories.

Booking a snorkeling excursion lets you discover the secret and wondrous world beneath the Maui waves. At Kai Kanani, we have 30 years of experience introducing people to the best spots for snorkeling. Let us show you the true beauty of Maui’s water by scheduling a snorkeling tour and leaving the rest to us!