PART 4 STEERING


Sailboats are steered with either a tiller or a wheel, which is connected to the rudder. The rudder turns the boat by directing the water flow. A sharp turn of the rudder slows your forward motion. If you turn the rudder too far, the water flow will stall and your helm (tiller or wheel) will feel unresponsive. Regardless of the steering system, you have to be moving through the water in order for the rudder to turn the boat.


Steering in forward


For the rudder to work most effectively, the water must flow past it smooth- ly. Even a small turn of the rudder changes the direction of the water flow and the boat.


If you turn the rudder too far, it will stall rather than turn the boat.


Water flows smoothly past the rudder.


Steering in reverse


Use small incremental turns to learn how quickly the boat responds. Be aware that turning in reverse will cause the bow to sweep in a large arc as you move backward.


With a steering wheel, turn the wheel in the direction you want to turn just as you would a car.


Water flow is stalled.


In reverse gear, the rudder will stall at a smaller angle than when going forward.


With a tiller, move it opposite to the direc- tion you want to go.


Water flows smoothly past the rudder.


42


Water flow is stalled.


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