weather helm

[Steve11003]

I recently purchased a 245 Seildman. I had experinced sailor help rig the boat, he siad he was going to have some weather helm with the mast installation. I'm new to this size boat. I didn't understand this term or what it means to the boat. Some help would greatly apprecitated.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Hi Steve -The term "weather helm" usually denotes the tendency for a boat to want to sail up into the wind rather than hold a steady course when on a reach or beat. A little weather helm can be normal but if you are fighting the helm to hold the boat off the wind the rudder will be inducing drag and slowing you down. Some boats have more of a natural weather helm than others due to hull shape or rig but much of this tendency can be mitigated with sail trim. Bottom line, get out there and get a feel for what you boat wants to do before making any changes.Best,Trevor

 

[Wright Ellis s/v WhiskyII]

Do some reading

I strongly recommend that anyone new to the sport get a book such as "The Annapolis Book of Sailing" by John Rousmaniere or "Chapman's Piloting and Saemanship." They will teach you almost everything you need to know about sailing, (especially terminology and theory)making you more knowledgable as you begin your on-the-water learning. It's also a good way to "sail" when it's below freezing outside.Have fun and be safe.

 

[James]

Mast Rake = More weather Helm

- Mast Rake = More Lee HelmRemember that and then go from there.Good Luck and have Fun