portlage

Portlage is a nautical term describing the orientation of a sailing vessel relative to the wind, specifically when the wind is coming from the vessel’s port side. In this condition the vessel is on port tack, as opposed to starboard tack, where the wind comes from the starboard side. The concept is central to sailing basics and is commonly used in German-language sailing literature, as well as in English sources where the term tack is applied.

In portlage, the sails are trimmed to catch wind from the port side, and maneuvers such as tacking and jibing are planned with the knowledge that the wind is coming from the left. The arrangement of lines, sails, and the helm is adjusted to maintain course, balance, and speed. Understanding whether a vessel is on port or starboard tack influences steering decisions and sail handling, and it is also relevant for collision avoidance and right-of-way considerations under applicable navigation rules.

Historically, portlage is primarily associated with sailing ships and regattas. While modern large commercial ships rely mainly on engines, the terminology remains part of nautical instruction, training, and historical discussion of sailing practices. The term is closely related to the counterpart starboardlage (starboard tack) and to broader concepts of windward and leeward positions.

See also: port tack, starboard tack, windward, leeward, tack.