Sailing Term Spotlight: The Rudder – Your Boat’s Steering Wheel
When you're learning to sail, one of the first pieces of equipment you’ll encounter is the rudder — but what exactly does it do, and how?
The rudder is the steering system of a boat. It’s usually a flat blade mounted vertically at the stern (back) of the boat and controlled by a tiller or steering wheel. But unlike a car, a boat doesn’t respond instantly, and turning the rudder the wrong way can take you completely off course.
Manoeuvring: The rudder is essential for executing manoeuvres such as tacking, gybing, and docking.
So, how does it work?
When the rudder is aligned straight behind the boat, it allows the water to flow smoothly past — and the boat keeps moving forward. But angle the rudder to one side, and it deflects the flow of water, pushing the stern in the opposite direction and turning the boat.
It’s simple in theory. But on a river like the Thames, with wind, current, overhanging trees, and other boats to consider, it becomes a bit more… tactical.
Key Rudder Facts:
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It only works when water flows over it – so you need forward (or reverse) movement.
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It’s not instant – sailboats turn slowly, so plan ahead.
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It’s linked to the tiller – and in small boats, moving the tiller left turns the boat right (and vice versa).
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It can stall – turning too sharply or with too little speed can reduce control.
What can go wrong?
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Weedy rudder – The Thames loves to gift you a tangle of river salad.
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Rudder not down properly – If the rudder isn’t fully lowered, it won’t bite into the water and your steering will suffer.
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Letting go of the tiller – Just don’t. Unless you want a lesson in unintended direction.
The rudder may look humble, but it’s a powerful control surface. Learn how to use it well, and you’ll glide around marks, navigate gusts, and avoid that awkward moment where the safety boat suddenly has to intervene.
Philip's Sailing Terms The Rudder https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Rudder.html
Steering the Sailboat Without a Rudder
Can You Really Steer with Just the Sails? Absolutely.
What happens when your rudder falls off, jams, or you forget to put it down before launching (we’ve all done it)? Are you adrift? Not necessarily.
Believe it or not, you can steer a sailboat using only your sails and body weight — if you know how.
This isn’t just a survival skill for dramatic moments on the Thames — it’s also a great way to understand the delicate balance of forces that make sailing possible.
How to Steer Without a Rudder:
1. Use the Sails – Push or Pull the Bow
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More mainsail = boat turns away from the wind (bear away)
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More jib = boat turns into the wind (luff up)
Adjusting the balance between your main and jib changes the boat’s centre of effort and causes it to pivot.
2. Use Weight Distribution
Shift the crew’s weight:
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Move aft (towards the stern) and the bow lifts slightly, increasing weather helm (boat turns into wind).
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Move forward and the boat tends to bear away.
Moving side to side also helps — especially in light winds — to encourage the boat to pivot.
3. Use the Centreboard
Raising or lowering the centreboard can affect how easily the boat pivots, especially in light air. Less centreboard = easier to spin.
When Would You Do This?
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Your rudder falls off (yes, it happens)
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You want to practise balance and sail control
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You’re feeling adventurous and want to level up your skills
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You’re teaching beginners how sail trim really affects direction
The Catch?
It’s harder. Much harder. And it only works well if:
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You’re moving
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The wind is stable
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You’re not trying to impress your crew
But it’s absolutely possible — and a good sailor should be able to get back to shore rudderless but not clueless.
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