Yourbestsailvideo
Leeway
9 September 2023 · 12 min · 2K views
What this video covers
Leeway, or *abatimiento*, describes the lateral drift of a sailboat caused by wind pressure against the sails.0:07 When sailing close-hauled, the wind exerts a force perpendicular to the sail, which creates a lateral component that pushes the boat sideways.1:24 The keel or centerboard acts as an underwater wing, generating lift to counteract this force.2:42 To maintain a straight course through the water, the boat must sail at a slight angle of attack relative to the water flow, resulting in the vessel’s heading differing from its actual track through the water.4:28
Sailors can estimate leeway by observing the angle between the boat's centerline and the wake trailing astern.9:55 A practical rule of thumb suggests 10 degrees of leeway when close-hauled, 5 degrees when on a beam reach, and 0 degrees when running downwind.8:29 To calculate the surface course, apply the leeway angle to the true heading based on the wind's side of entry.7:55 Leeway to port occurs when the wind hits the starboard side, and vice versa.10:12 Proper keel design is essential for minimizing this drift.
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