BASIC HEEL CONTROL The heel of the sailboat is the lean of the sailboat when
pressure from the wind is applied to the sails. For example, when the pressure of the wind on the sails is significant, the sailboat will heel (lean) to leeward. Learning to control the heel of the sailboat is a skill in beginning sailing. Heel is controlled by two things: body weight and sail trim. When the sailboat heels to leeward, start by easing the sails and adjusting sail trim to keep the boat either flat or slightly heeled. The crew should shift their body weight within the cockpit, and if needed, move to the windward side of the cockpit.
EBody weight to the high side (windward side) of the boat. KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Too Much Heel
WIND
Slightly Heeled
WIND
Mainsail eased out
l Ease out - Adjust the sail trim by easing out to keep the sailboat flat.
l Trim in - Adjust the sail sail trim by trimming in to keep the sailboat flat.
l Weight Balance - Shift your body weight in and out to keep the sailboat flat.