A sailing heading is the instantaneous direction a boat's bow is pointing, measured in degrees from north. It is what the compass reads and indicates where the vessel is aimed, which may differ from the actual course over ground (COG) due to wind, current, or drift.

Key Details Regarding Heading:
Definition: The direction the vessel’s bow is pointing at any given moment.

Measurement: Expressed in compass degrees from true or magnetic north = North, = East, = South, = West.

Heading vs. Course: The heading is where you point; the course (or track) is where you actually travel. A boat may be headed North but drifting Northeast due to wind.

Usage: The helmsman constantly monitors the heading to follow a planned course, though the heading will change as the boat pitches or yaws across the water.

Types: Can be True Heading (relative to geographic north) or Magnetic Heading (relative to magnetic north).