Weather Helm

The tendency of a sailing vessel to turn windward (towards the wind) when under sail, requiring corrective steering to maintain a desired course.

Weather helm is a common phenomenon experienced on sailing vessels and is directly related to the balance of forces acting on the boat’s sails and hull. It occurs when the centre of effort (the point where the wind’s force on the sails is concentrated) is positioned aft (behind) the centre of lateral resistance (the point where water resistance is concentrated, typically near the keel or centreboard). This imbalance causes the stern of the vessel to be pushed leeward (away from the wind), making the bow turn windward.

While a slight degree of weather helm is generally desirable, as it provides feedback to the helmsman and helps the boat naturally round up into the wind if the helm is released, excessive weather helm can be problematic. It increases the strain on the rudder and steering gear, reduces speed due to increased drag, and can make the vessel harder to control. Factors contributing to weather helm include improper sail trim, excessive heeling, or a rig configuration that places too much sail area aft.

To correct or minimise weather helm, sailors can adjust the balance of the sails by reefing (reducing sail area), shifting the sail plan forward, or flattening the sails to reduce heeling. Proper weight distribution and trimming the boat to sail more upright can also help. Understanding and managing weather helm is a critical skill for efficient and safe sailing.