English Expression · Advanced
head reach
The distance to windward traversed by a vessel while tacking
Pronunciation: say head reach
Meaning
The distance a sailing vessel travels to windward while in the process of tacking.
Example
The captain calculated the head reach of the ship to ensure it would clear the harbor entrance while tacking.
The captain calculated the head reach of the ship to ensure it would clear the harbor entrance while tacking.
Practice tips
- Practice head reach out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for advanced-level learners.