Yourbestsail · video

What this video covers

Heaving-to stops a sailboat’s forward progress and creates a stable, self-steering position by balancing the rudder against a backed headsail.2:04 To execute the standard manoeuvre, the sailor steers the boat through a tack without releasing the jib sheet, leaving the headsail backed to windward while the mainsail flutters.3:10 Once the bow passes through the wind, the helm is turned back toward the windward side to counteract the backed jib, causing the boat to settle at an angle of approximately 70 degrees to the wind.4:43 This position creates a slick of turbulent water to windward that flattens incoming waves.5:33 Heaving-to serves three primary purposes: providing a stable platform for cooking or repairs, maintaining position during heavy weather, and facilitating man-overboard recovery.6:22 While highly effective on full or semi-full keel boats, modern fin-keel designs require precise adjustments to the mainsail and rudder to maintain a stable heading.9:39 A secondary technique involves backing the jib without tacking, which is useful when proximity to a lee shore prevents a standard tacking manoeuvre.10:43

More from Yourbestsail

Sailing downwind in wavesOct 2026The genoa sheet car (Again!)Sept 2026The function of the centerboardAug 2026Marinas and Yacht Clubs: ProceduresAug 2026

From Yourbestsail — 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.