Leeway
Leeway is the sideways drift caused by wind pushing the boat off course. A yacht sailing in strong winds will make leeway — the boat slides sideways to leeward. The amount depends on wind strength, sea state, boat type, and point of sail.
Leeway is estimated in degrees and applied to the course steered. If the wind is on the port side, the boat is pushed to starboard — you apply leeway to starboard (add it to the course). Typical leeway values are 3–10° for a yacht in moderate conditions.
Key Points
- Leeway = sideways drift from wind (typically 3–10°)
- Applied as a correction to course steered
- Wind on port side → leeway to starboard (add to course)
- Wind on starboard side → leeway to port (subtract from course)
- Greater in stronger winds and rougher seas