Lee Shore

A shore lying downwind of a vessel so that wind tends to set the vessel towards it.

A lee shore reduces the room available to recover from loss of propulsion, steering or sail control. Waves may steepen or break as they approach shallow water, and an onshore current can worsen the set even when the wind direction alone appears manageable.

Risk depends on distance off, wind and sea state, current, depth, vessel capability and available escape routes. Early action to preserve sea room is normally more effective than relying on anchoring or propulsion close to danger, but the appropriate plan is vessel- and situation-specific.