Steering A Sail Boat: Mastering The Art Of Port Entry

Steering a sailboat requires a basic understanding of how a sailboat works. The forces of the wind on the sails and the water on the underwater parts of the boat combine to propel the boat through the water. The wind blows across the sails, creating aerodynamic lift, like an airplane wing. The sails must be adjusted to harness the wind as efficiently as possible. The angle of the sail is the difference between the direction the boat is heading and the direction of the wind. When sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the sails trimmed in all the way, the boat is close-hauled or beating. As the boat bears off, steering away from the wind, the sails are eased as the boat sails onto a close reach, then a beam reach, and finally a broad reach. When sailing directly away from the wind, the boat is on a run with the sails eased all the way out. If the boat continues to turn, it will gybe, so that it is on a run with the sails on the opposite side of the boat.

To steer a sailboat, the tiller or wheel is used to turn the rudder to direct the flow of water passing over its surfaces, which turns the boat. When steering with a wheel, the boat is turned in the same direction as the wheel. When steering with a tiller, the boat turns in the opposite direction the tiller is moved. Using the rudder alone will cause excess drag in the water, slowing the boat or even stalling out the flow of water and causing a loss of steerage. The most efficient way to steer is to use a combination of the rudder, body weight, and sail trim to turn the boat.

Steering with sails alone

Sailing a boat with just the sails can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help you steer a sailboat without using the rudder:

• Understand the basic mechanics of sailing: The sails capture the wind, which propels the boat forward. The angle of the sail and the direction of the wind determine the boat's course.
• Know your sailboat parts: Familiarize yourself with the different components of your sailboat, such as the mast, boom, sails, sheets, and centreboard or keel. Understanding these parts will help you make adjustments for better steering.
• Trim the sails: Adjusting the sails is crucial for steering. Trim the sails to the desired angle to catch the wind effectively. Play with the mainsheet and jibsheet to control the boat's direction.
• Use the sails to steer: When you ease the mainsheet, the boat will tend to bear off, while trimming the mainsheet will cause the boat to head up. Conversely, trimming the jib will help the boat bear off, and easing the jib will assist the boat in heading up.
• Experiment with weight distribution: Moving your weight or the weight of the crew around the boat can influence its turning. Heeling the boat to one side can help turn it in the opposite direction.
• Practice: Take some time to experiment with different sail trims and weight distributions to get a feel for how your sailboat responds. This will help you develop a better understanding of steering with sails alone.

Using a tiller or wheel to turn the rudder

When using the rudder to steer, it's important to remember that it will cause excess drag in the water, slowing the boat down. Therefore, the most efficient way to steer is to combine the use of the rudder with body weight and sail trim. For example, moving your weight to one side of the boat will help turn the boat in the opposite direction.

Additionally, adjusting the sails can assist with steering. Easing the main sail will cause the boat to bear off, while trimming it will help the boat head up. The opposite is true for the jib: trimming it will help the boat bear off, and easing it will help the boat head up.

When steering a sailboat, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a clear path, especially when performing manoeuvres such as tacking or gybing.

Steering with an outboard engine

Outboard motors are usually found on the back shelf of a boat and are raised and lowered into the water on a hinge. They are steered with a tiller, which is a lever that extends into the boat and is used to turn the motor and steer the boat. The tiller is different from a steering wheel, so it can take some time to adjust to using it. The tiller is connected to a rudder post, which changes the direction of the motor and, in turn, the boat.

To steer the boat, simply push and pull the tiller. It's important to remember that the boat will go in the opposite direction to the movement of the tiller. So, if you push the tiller to the left, the bow of the boat will go right, and vice versa. This is something that takes some getting used to, especially if you are more familiar with steering wheels.

The speed of the outboard motor can be controlled by twisting the handle at the end of the tiller. Some tillers also allow you to change the direction of the twisting motion to reverse the boat.

Outboard motors usually use a pull cord to start the motor, but some use an electric key or button. There should also be a primer to start the fuel flow and a choke to restrict the amount of fuel going into the motor.

How to steer to avoid a collision

To steer a sailboat and avoid a collision, it is important to understand the "rules of the road" and basic sailboat mechanics. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

• Maintain a Proper Lookout: Boat operators must keep a vigilant watch on their surroundings at all times, using both sight and hearing. Assign a passenger to be a lookout, who can help stay alert for oncoming boats, local hazards, and swimmers.
• Understand Right-of-Way: Know the sectors of navigation: the port sector, the starboard sector, and the stern sector. If a power-driven boat approaches from the port sector, maintain your course and speed with caution, as you have the right-of-way. If any vessel approaches from the starboard sector, you must give way and take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. When two vessels approach head-on, they must both alter their course to starboard and pass port-to-port, indicating their intentions with sound signals.
• Use Sound Signals: Learn the standard sound signals for navigation. For example, one short blast means "I'm altering my course to starboard," while two short blasts mean "I'm altering my course to port."
• Adjust Sail Trim: The angle of the sail, or the point of sail, changes as your boat's course changes. Trimming the sails efficiently will produce the most forward force and least resistance. When sailing close-hauled (towards the wind), gradually trim your sails to keep them from luffing (flapping in the wind). As you bear off and steer away from the wind, ease your sails.
• Use a Combination of Rudder, Body Weight, and Sail Trim: The rudder alone can cause excess drag and slow the boat down. Instead, use your body weight and sail trim along with the rudder to turn the boat more efficiently. For example, easing the main sail will cause the boat to bear off, while trimming the main sail will help the boat head up.
• Determine if You're on a Collision Course: Take a compass bearing on the other boat. If your course stays the same but the bearing doesn't change, you are on a collision course and should alter your route.
• Follow the Rule of Responsibility: This rule requires boat operators to understand and follow navigation rules at all times. The only exception is if breaking a rule is necessary to avoid an immediate collision or danger.

How to steer a sailboat backwards

To steer a sailboat, you must use the tiller or wheel to turn the rudder and direct the flow of water over its surfaces, which turns the boat. If you're using a wheel, turning it is just like turning the wheel of a car. However, when using a tiller, the boat turns in the direction opposite to the way you move the tiller.

Now, to steer a sailboat backwards, here are some tips:

• Always face forward so you can see what the bow is doing.
• Straddle the wheel on one side of the helm station, looking forward.
• Put your arm on top of the wheel.
• Push the wheel away from you if you want the stern to move away from you.
• Pull the wheel towards you if you want the stern to come towards you.

If you're steering a sailboat in reverse with an inboard engine, remember that water will only start flowing over the rudder once the boat is actually moving through the water. In this case, you'll need to be firm with the tiller as you steer, as it will initially fight against you.

A helpful mental trick is to think of your stern as "the new front of the boat". Stand with your front body facing the stern, and if you have a wheel, stand on the "wrong side" of it. You want to steer this "new front" in the direction you want it to go.

To summarise, when steering a sailboat in reverse, centre the tiller or wheel, focus on the stern as your new front, and be prepared for some resistance if you have an inboard engine.

Frequently asked questions