Headreach

/ˈhɛd.riːtʃ/ noun

Definition

In sailing, the distance a ship continues to move forward after the sails are lowered or the helm is put hard over.

Etymology

From 'head' (forward direction) and 'reach' (distance attained). This nautical term emerged in the 17th century as sailing techniques became more sophisticated.

Kelly Says

Sailors had to account for 'headreach' when docking—a large ship can't stop instantly, so captains had to predict how far momentum would carry them, much like how a car skids on ice.

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