Sailing towards the wind. Because sailing directly into the wind is not possible for sailboats, this point of sail involves sailing at close angles (30 to 45º) relative to the wind direction. In other words, to reach a point that is upwind, a sailboat will have to zigzag to that point. There are two types of beating: Close-hauled (the angle of attack closest to the true wind direction) and Close reach (a less sharp angle of attack relative to the true wind).