How Do You Spell CLOSEHAULED?

Pronunciation: [klˈə͡ʊshɔːld] (IPA)

Closehauled is a nautical term used when a sailboat is sailing as closely as possible into the wind. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its individual sounds using IPA phonetic transcription: /kloʊs/ for "close" and /hɔld/ for "hauled". The "close" sound is pronounced with a long o sound followed by a voiced s, while the "hauled" sound is pronounced with a voiceless h followed by a d sound. The spelling of this word accurately represents how it is pronounced.

CLOSEHAULED Meaning and Definition

1. Closehauled is a term used in sailing and refers to the position of a sailboat when its sails are trimmed closely to the wind in order to maximize efficiency and maneuverability. This particular sailing position is achieved when the boat's bow is directed as close to the wind as possible while still maintaining forward momentum. In this state, the sails are adjusted to create an angle relative to the wind that allows the vessel to move forward.

   When a sailboat is closehauled, the sails are usually pulled taut, with the leading edge (luff) of the headsail almost parallel to the wind and the main sail trimmed in tight to the centerline of the vessel. This orientation enables the sails to generate lift and propels the boat forward. It also allows the boat to sail as closely into the wind as possible, known as sailing as "close to the wind." Closehauled sailing requires careful attention and constant adjustments to maintain the ideal angle between the sails and the wind, as well as to adapt to changing wind conditions.

   Closehauled is a crucial sailing position, especially when sailing upwind or tacking (changing the direction of the boat's bow across the wind). It requires skill and experience to handle the sailboat effectively while maneuvering close to the wind, as any deviation from the optimal trim can result in loss of speed or even stalling. Closehauled sailing is an essential technique for sailboat racing, as it permits the boat to faster and more efficiently navigate against the wind while maintaining control and stability.

Common Misspellings for CLOSEHAULED

• xlosehauled
• vlosehauled
• flosehauled
• dlosehauled
• ckosehauled
• cposehauled
• coosehauled
• clisehauled
• clksehauled
• cllsehauled
• clpsehauled
• cl0sehauled
• cl9sehauled
• cloaehauled
• clozehauled
• cloxehauled
• clodehauled
• cloeehauled
• clowehauled

Etymology of CLOSEHAULED

The word "closehauled" originated in the maritime or sailing context. It is a compound word composed of "close" and "hauled".

The term "hauled" comes from the verb "to haul", which means to pull or drag something forcefully. In sailing, "to haul" refers to adjusting the position of the sails by pulling or tightening the ropes, also known as sheets, attached to them. Adjusting the sails changes their angle in relation to the wind, which affects the boat's speed and direction.

The word "close" in this context means to bring the sails as close as possible to the wind without actually being luffed, or losing power from the wind. When a sailing vessel is closehauled, it means the sails are adjusted to maximize the boat's speed while sailing as close to the wind as possible.