CHAPTER 6 PAGE 20
Steering
Tiller and Rudder Steering You steer with the tiller, but the rudder actually does the work of turning the boat. Te rudder can only turn the boat if it is moving. If the boat is stopped, it will not turn.
Some beginners are surprised to find that the boat turns opposite to the direction they move the tiller. For example, if you move the tiller to starboard the boat will turn to port.
Steering and Boady Position are closely linked. Effective steering requires coordination between skipper and crew: • The skipper steers, trims the mainsheet, and assumes the role of being in charge.
• The crew trims the jib, uses their weight to keep the boat from tipping, and keeps a keen lookout for things the helmsman may not see.
Proper Position in the Boat When you are steering the boat, sit facing square to the mainsail on the windward side just forward of the tiller so you can freely move the tiller as far as it will go from side to side. In this position, you will have a clear view of the trim of your sails and the surrounding area. You will also be able to adjust your weight for boat balance from side to side, as well as fore and aſt.
Grasp the mainsheet in your forward hand so the sheet leads up through your closed fist with the loose end over the top of your thumb. Your aſt hand holds the tiller extension like a microphone.
When you are crewing, sit just forward of the skipper. Te crew has a role equally important to that of the skipper. You must constantly monitor the angle of heel and keep the boat from tipping too much. Move your weight in and out to keep the boat fairly flat on a steady angle of heel.
Heeling to leeward–the tipping of the boat away from the wind–is normal. Heeling is caused by the pressure of the wind pushing on the sails, especially when sailing upwind. As wind pressure increases, the windward side of the hull
rises.
In stronger winds, sailors need to hike out (lean out) while sitting on the windward side of the hull to counteract the heeling force of the wind in the sails, flattening the boat to keep it level.
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