close reach: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Nautical)Technical (Nautical), Figurative (Business/Formal)
Quick answer
What does “close reach” mean?
A sailing term for a point of sail where the wind is coming from slightly forward of the beam (at an angle of approximately 45° to 75° to the boat's heading). It is a moderately close-hauled sailing angle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sailing term for a point of sail where the wind is coming from slightly forward of the beam (at an angle of approximately 45° to 75° to the boat's heading). It is a moderately close-hauled sailing angle.
In figurative or business contexts, it can describe something that is almost, but not fully, achieved or accessible with moderate effort, or a state where a goal is within challenging but possible grasp.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use the term identically in sailing. Figurative use is rare in both.
Connotations
Technical and precise in both varieties. Carries connotations of skill, optimal trim, and focused effort.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively within sailing communities. Figurative use is a niche extension.
Grammar
How to Use “close reach” in a Sentence
The boat + [verb: sailed, cruised, pointed] + on a close reach.They + [verb: trimmed, set] the sails + for a close reach.We are on a close reach to the mark.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “close reach” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The yacht was close reaching efficiently in the Channel chop.
- We'll need to close reach to clear the headland.
American English
- The sloop was close reaching up the coast of Maine.
- Let's close reach for a while to make better time.
adverb
British English
- N/A (adverb usage doesn't apply to this fixed phrase)
American English
- N/A (adverb usage doesn't apply to this fixed phrase)
adjective
British English
- N/A (adjective usage doesn't apply to this fixed phrase)
American English
- N/A (adjective usage doesn't apply to this fixed phrase)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used figuratively: 'The deal is on a close reach; we need to trim our offer carefully to secure it.'
Academic
Virtually unused outside of technical papers on sailing or naval architecture.
Everyday
Only used by sailors or in nautical contexts.
Technical
Core usage. Specific point of sail between close-hauled and a beam reach.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “close reach”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “close reach”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “close reach”
- Using it as a verb phrase ('*I close reach the harbour'). It is a noun phrase. Confusing it with 'within close reach', which is a different idiom meaning 'easily accessible'. Writing it as 'closed reach'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Close-hauled is sailing as directly into the wind as possible (about 45° off the wind). A close reach is a slightly easier point of sail, with the wind further aft (around 60-75° off the wind).
Only if you are deliberately using a nautical metaphor. In its literal sense, it is purely a sailing term and will be misunderstood by non-sailors.
In terms of wind angle, the opposite would be a 'run' or 'dead run', where you are sailing directly downwind.
No, that is a separate, common idiom meaning 'easily accessible'. The sailing term 'close reach' is a fixed phrase where 'close' modifies the type of 'reach'. They are homographic but semantically distinct.
A sailing term for a point of sail where the wind is coming from slightly forward of the beam (at an angle of approximately 45° to 75° to the boat's heading). It is a moderately close-hauled sailing angle.
Close reach is usually technical (nautical), figurative (business/formal) in register.
Close reach: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkləʊs ˈriːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkloʊs ˈriːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a close reach to success (figurative).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock face. If the wind at 12 o'clock is straight ahead, a 'close reach' is sailing towards about 1 or 11 o'clock – close to the wind but not directly into it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A SAILING VOYAGE; A CHALLENGING BUT ACHIEVABLE GOAL IS A CLOSE REACH.
Practice
Quiz
In sailing, what is a 'close reach'?