City Sailing · video

What this video covers

Leeway occurs when wind pressure pushes a vessel sideways, causing the actual water track to deviate from the compass heading.0:29 Sailors can estimate this angle by trailing a rope behind the boat and measuring the difference between the rope's orientation and the wake.0:49 Factors increasing leeway include sailing close-hauled, low boat speed, high wind strength, rough sea states, and wide hull designs or bilge keels.1:29 Conversely, running downwind or maintaining higher speeds in deep-keeled, narrow-hulled vessels minimizes the effect.2:04 To maintain a desired course, a helmsman must steer into the wind by the estimated leeway angle.5:48 When calculating a course to steer, add the leeway angle to the compass heading if the wind pushes the boat clockwise, or subtract it if the wind pushes the boat counter-clockwise.6:22 Experienced helmsmen reduce leeway by steering efficiently through waves to maintain momentum, whereas novice steering often causes speed loss and increased sideways drift.4:32

Boats in this video

More from City Sailing

Iconic Paddle Steamer Waverley Visits Scottish Loch and GlenAug 2026Plastic Fishing Active Thames AdventuresJun 2026How to Sail with a Spinnaker | Isle of Dogs Sea CadetsJun 2026Isle of Dogs Sea Cadet Unit Epic Solent Sail June 2026 Ulysses TrustJun 2026

From City Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.