Heeling – Tilted but Not Toppled

Heeling – Tilted but Not Toppled
Learning to Sail at 65+ on the River Thames
#pmrsailing #DinghySailing #HeelingExplained #SailingAt65 #UpperThamesSailingClub

If you’re new to sailing, the moment your boat starts to tilt—or heel, as we call it—can be a bit unsettling. One side rises, the other dips, and suddenly the horizon isn’t quite where you left it. But fear not! Heeling is not a sign of doom. It’s a sign you’re doing it right.

Last Sunday gave us perfect “gentle heeling” conditions. A bit of breeze, enough power in the sails, and just the right amount of drama to make every tack feel like an adventure.

---

🌬️ What Is Heeling?

Heeling happens when the wind fills the sails and pushes the boat sideways. Because the boat has a keel, daggerboard, or centreboard resisting that sideways motion, the boat doesn’t just slide across the water—it tips.

The angle of heel depends on several things:

• Wind strength

• Sail trim

• Crew position

• Hull design

Some boats are built to heel dramatically. Others, like our RS Toura, heel modestly—but noticeably enough to get your attention! However, from the crew's point of view, it is dramatic. I feel that I am about to fall out, and I need to, instead of sitting sailside, come over to the other side and lean out with Paul at the Helm. 

More details on Heeling in our Sail Terms on https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Heeling.html

---

🧠 Why Heeling Isn’t Capsizing

Heeling is normal. The boat is designed for it. In fact, some heeling helps the sails work more efficiently by changing their angle to the wind.

Capsizing, on the other hand, is when the heel becomes so great that the boat flips over. Very different feeling—and usually involves shouting and getting wet.

With the right balance of sail control and crew movement, you can enjoy heeling without tipping past the point of no return.

---

🧭 How We Managed It This Week

As the wind picked up, we noticed the Toura starting to lean. The trick is to:

• Hike out gently – shifting our weight to the high side of the boat

• Ease the mainsail slightly to reduce power

• Keep the tiller steady and anticipate the gusts

We even tried standing still for a moment to feel the boat find its balance under us—tilted, but totally in control.

And once you trust the boat? That little bit of lean becomes exhilarating, not terrifying. I am starting to get happier with the boat not being level.

---

💬 A Moment of Reflection

As one fellow sailor put it:
"It felt like the boat and I were dancing—with the wind leading, and me just trying to keep up."

Heeling is part of the rhythm of sailing. It teaches trust, control, and how to feel the forces at play.

---

So next time your boat tilts and your tea slides across the seat, smile. You’re not toppling—you’re sailing.

#HeelingNotFalling #LearningToSail #DinghyHandling #RS_Toura #RiverThamesSailing #pmrsailing #SailingConfidence #WednesdayOnTheWater