Headway in sailing refers to the forward motion or progress of a vessel through the water. It is the opposite of sternway (moving backward) and signifies that the boat is moving forward along its intended course.

Key aspects of headway include:
Definition: The movement of a boat's bow in a forward direction.

Steerageway: It is often used to describe the minimum speed necessary to maintain control and steering capability, sometimes known as "headway speed".

Context: It can refer to the speed of the vessel itself, or in the phrase "making headway," indicate positive progress against wind or current.

Usage: If a boat is not "making headway," it is stuck or losing ground against environmental forces.