You steer a sailboat by combining small helm movements with a sail plan and trim suited to the wind. The rudder changes the boat’s direction as water flows past it; the sails provide driving force and affect the boat’s balance. Using a large rudder angle to fight badly balanced sails makes steering harder.
Learn this on a suitable boat with an instructor. The response varies with the vessel, speed, wind and sea state. This explanation is a starting point for understanding what you feel at the helm.
What the rudder does
A rudder is a shaped surface in the water. When it is turned relative to the flow, it produces a sideways force that helps turn the vessel. It also creates drag, particularly at larger angles. Calling it simply a drag device misses how it normally works.
Steering depends on water flow past the rudder. A boat with very little speed through the water may respond poorly even when its GPS shows movement over the ground in a current. Do not assume more helm will cure a lack of steerage.
Tiller and wheel steering
On a conventional tiller-steered boat moving ahead, pushing the tiller to port turns the bow to starboard, and vice versa. With conventional wheel steering, turn the wheel towards the intended turn. Confirm the response of the particular boat with the skipper, especially when manoeuvring astern.
Look where the boat is going and use modest corrections. Keep space for the stern as well as the bow: turning changes the position of the whole vessel. Avoid fixing your attention on the helm itself.
Match sail trim to the direction
The sails need adjustment when the boat changes its angle to the wind. In broad terms, heading towards the wind calls for sheeting in, while bearing away calls for easing the sheets. The exact trim depends on the sails and point of sail.
As the RYA’s points-of-sail guide explains, a sailing boat cannot sail directly into the wind. To make progress upwind, it sails on alternating close-hauled courses. A tack takes the bow through the wind; it is a manoeuvre, not another name for adjusting a sheet.
Keep the boat balanced
If the boat continually tries to turn into the wind, the helm may feel heavily loaded. Excessive heel or an overpowered sail plan can contribute. The response is to assess trim, sail area and balance, rather than simply holding more rudder indefinitely.
Follow the skipper’s reefing plan and reduce sail before control becomes difficult. Do not use a universal rule such as “more mainsail, less jib” without considering the boat, course and conditions.
Plan turns and tell the crew
Before a tack or gybe, check for traffic, hazards and enough room. Tell the crew what is about to happen and confirm they are ready. Keep people clear of the boom, moving sheets and loaded fittings. The skipper or instructor should coordinate the helm and sail handling.
A gybe takes the stern through the wind and can bring the boom across quickly. It needs a deliberate, controlled technique taught on the vessel. Sailing downwind is not automatically easy or low risk.
Practise holding a course
In suitable supervised conditions, pick a safe reference ahead and practise keeping a steady course with small corrections. Notice what changes when the sails are trimmed or the boat heels. Keep a lookout throughout; a straight course is only useful while it remains safe.
Read our sailboat-parts guide for the controls and our crew-communication guide for organising manoeuvres.
Further Reading
