Heeling in a Sailboat

Heeling (Sailing Term)

URL: https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/sailing-terms-list/Heeling.html

What does “heeling” mean?

Heeling is when a sailing boat leans over to one side because the wind is pushing on the sails.

• If the boat leans away from the wind, that side is called the leeward side.

• The side facing the wind is the windward side.

• A little heel is normal — and often faster.

• Too much heel is slow, uncomfortable… and a handy way to rinse your crew.

Why do boats heel?

Wind creates force on the sails. That force acts above the waterline, so it produces a turning effect (a “heeling moment”) that tries to tip the boat over. The hull, centreboard/daggerboard, and your bodyweight act to resist it.

In simple terms:

• More wind / more sail area = more heel

• More crew weight outboard + flatter sails = less heel

Is heeling good or bad?

Both.

✅ A bit of heel can be good

• It can reduce wetted surface slightly

• The sails can “set” nicely

• The boat feels alive rather than stuck to the water like a barge

❌ Too much heel is usually bad

• The rudder can become less effective

• The boat “squirms” sideways (leeway increases)

• You end up steering with panic rather than precision

• On a river, you also drift towards that exciting new collection of reeds/boats/banks.

How do you control heeling?

The classic control toolkit:

1. Move your weight

   • Sit further out (hike) to keep the boat flatter

   • Move smoothly — sudden shuffles make the boat wobble (and the instructor sigh).

2. Sheet out

   • Ease the mainsheet a little to spill wind

   • This is often the quickest fix in a gust.

3. Depower the sail

   • Flatten the mainsail (kicker/vang, outhaul, Cunningham — depending on your rig)

   • Traveller down (if you have one)

   • Reefing on larger boats.

4. Steer smart

   • Heading up slightly into the wind can reduce power

   • Bearing away can increase power (and heel), so do it gently.

What does heeling feel like (for beginners)?

• The boat leans, your brain shouts “THIS IS THE END”, and your experienced crew says “Lovely breeze.”

• The trick is learning the difference between:

  • controlled heeling (fast, balanced, normal), and

  • unplanned heeling (slow, splashy, dramatic).

Common beginner mistakes

• Freezing in place instead of moving weight

• Pulling the sail in tighter when the boat heels (very common!)

• Steering wildly — which usually increases the problem

• Waiting too long to ease the sheet in a gust

Quick safety note

Heeling is normal. Panic is optional. If you’re unsure, ease the sail, keep hold of the boat, and reset calmly. Practise in steady conditions first — with safety cover and plenty of room.

Related terms: Windward, Leeward, Gust, Hiking, Depowering, Reefing, Capsize