Leeway

What does leeway mean in sailing?

Leeway refers to the lateral drift of a sailboat caused by wind or current, leading to a deviation from the intended course. The extent of leeway varies depending on the course relative to the wind: it is strongest on close reach courses (sailing upwind) and less significant on broad reaches, where the wind primarily propels the boat forward.
To minimize leeway, use the daggerboard (on dinghies) or the keel (on yachts). Depending on the current and wind direction, you may need to adjust your course to reach your destination. A clear sign of leeway is when your boat appears slightly angled to the waterline while moving forward.
In navigation, leeway is accounted for by calculating the drift angle to correct the course.

Practical tip:

During navigation, pay attention to fixed reference points such as landmarks or buoys to see if you are drifting. Factor the drift angle into your course calculations and adjust your heading and sails as necessary to compensate for your leeway.