Leeward

The side of a vessel or an object that is sheltered from the wind, opposite to the windward side.

Leeward is a crucial concept for understanding wind direction and its effects on navigation and vessel handling. The term “leeward” (pronounced “loo-erd”) refers to the side of a ship or any object that is away from the wind, or downwind. This is the side that is sheltered from the direct force of the wind, as opposed to the “windward” side, which faces into the wind. 

For sailors, knowing the leeward side is essential for manoeuvring the vessel efficiently. For example, when tacking or jibing, the windward and leeward sides of the boat will change as the vessel alters course relative to the wind. The leeward side is often the more stable and comfortable side of the boat, as it experiences less wind pressure. However, it can also be a vulnerable position in certain situations, such as when a boat is heeling (tilting) under strong winds, as water may splash or flood over the leeward side.

In terms of navigation, understanding the leeward side is also important when anchoring or docking, as vessels tend to drift towards the leeward side due to the wind pushing them in that direction. Mariners must account for this drift to avoid collisions or grounding.