Weather gage
The weather gage (less commonly weather gauge) is the favorable position of a sailing vessel relative to the wind. This is generally any direction upwind; vessels holding the weather gage are able to turn and move quickly downwind to their choice of new positions.
Particularly used of naval combat during the age of sail, the term is now somewhat antiquated. It is still used on occasion to describe modern naval engagements (though the usage has been somewhat changed); the term is also used by those who sail recreationally, especially in yacht racing.
See also: Modern Naval tactics.
