Nautical Term: Weather side

Definition of Weather side

The windward side refers to the side of a vessel or object that is facing the direction from which the wind is blowing. For instance, if a sailboat is sailing with the wind coming from the left side, then the windward side for that boat would be the left side.

For example, During a transatlantic race, the wind shifted dramatically. The yacht that had been leading from the windward side suddenly found itself on the leeward side, exposed to the wind and waves. The new windward leader seized the opportunity to pull ahead, using the wind to their advantage. The windward side proved to be a crucial factor in the outcome of the race.

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