to windward

Idioms  

1. Toward an advantageous position, as in We were hoping to get to windward of the situation. This expression transfers the nautical meaning of the phrase, “move in the direction from which the wind blows,” to other kinds of undertaking. Its figurative use dates from the late 1700s.

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Example Sentences

Team New Zealand started at the pin end with Luna Rossa above it to windward as the boats crossed the line side by side.

From Seattle Times

The boats crossed the start line evenly with Luna Rossa to windward.

From Seattle Times

Navy anchor, a symbol of the family home Bush often called his “anchor to windward.”

From Washington Post

Mr. Bush had often called Kennebunkport his “anchor to windward,” referring to an anchor dropped in a storm to keep a ship from wrecking.

From New York Times

“Princess Panics-a-Lot” is the teasing moniker that Stuart would gently bestow upon Pat whenever she would get anxious that, beating to windward, we were heeling too much and might tip over.

From Washington Post