Leeward

In the direction towards which the wind is blowing, or on the side away from the wind.

Leeward describes direction or relative position and is the opposite of windward. A vessel’s leeward side is normally the side away from the incoming wind, while an object may create a sheltered lee extending downwind of it.

Shelter is common but is not part of every use: the leeward side of a heeled yacht may be wet and exposed to waves. The reference wind should be clear because true and apparent wind can place ‘leeward’ in different directions on a moving vessel.