weather helm
Boat turns upwind
Weather helm is a sailing term for the tendency of a boat to turn toward the wind, requiring the helmsman to apply constant corrective pressure on the tiller or wheel to maintain course.
A boat with weather helm wants to round up into the wind if the helm is released.
Some slight weather helm is considered desirable because it provides feedback to the sailor and indicates the boat is properly balanced.
Excessive weather helm causes fatigue and slows the boat.
The opposite condition is lee helm.
Boat steering lever
- rudderPivoting stern blade
- heelingLeaning to one side
- sheetingWide fabric for covers
- close-hauledSailing near wind's eye
upwind · tacking · jibing · starboard tack · port tack · beating · luffing · reefing
How mass is allocated
- depoweringRemoving force or authority
- rebalancingRestoring proper proportions
tiller
Boat steering lever
close-hauled · upwind · tacking · jibing · starboard tack · port tack · beating · luffing · reefing · mainsail
weight distribution
How mass is allocated
- depoweringRemoving force or authority
- rebalancingRestoring proper proportions
corrective action
Steps to fix identified problems
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