New Spun Yarn: A Balanced Helm

Bradley

Admin/Operations
Staff member
A balanced helm is ideal under all conditions, as it means the rudder is mostly aligned with the centerline and doesn't provide extra drag. The usual test for a balanced helm is to sail on a reach, then let go of the tiller and see what happens. If the boat comes slowly to windward, that's a mild weather helm, and that's okay. But if it turns hard upwind, or downwind at all (lee helm), the rig needs adjusting. (A slow, gentle turn upwind is okay.)

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