Round Up (Sailing)

For a sailing vessel to turn rapidly or unintentionally towards the wind.

A round-up commonly occurs when heel, rudder load or weather helm exceeds the available steering control, particularly in a gust or with excessive sail. The sails may luff and the vessel may slow sharply or pass through the wind.

Reducing heel and restoring balanced control may require easing sails, altering course or reducing sail area according to vessel and conditions. The event can bring the boom, sheets and vessel path across people or nearby traffic, so sea room and crew position matter.