What is meant by leeward?

Leeward refers to the side of an object or location that is sheltered from the wind, typically the direction downwind. When considering how sailboats operate, for example, moving laterally downwind means traveling in the direction that the wind is blowing. This term is essential in navigation and sailing because the leeward side provides more stability and less wind resistance.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts related to wind direction and sailing maneuvers. Moving against the wind refers to sailing into it (which is known as "beating"), while moving directly into the wind indicates a position that can be quite challenging without proper angle or adjustment. Being anchored in still water does not relate to wind direction at all. Hence, the definition of leeward as moving laterally downwind is crucial for understanding navigation and sailing techniques.