How to Control Heel

Step 1. Adjust Weight Placement First

If the boat is heeling too much

• Move weight as far outside on the higher side of the boat, opposite of the sails
• The crew should move first
• The skipper should always be able to sit on the high side of the boat
• Keep bodies low and stable

If the boat is too flat in medium wind

• Sit more upright
• Reduce hiking
• The crew can move slightly toward the center of the boat

Weight placement is your fastest adjustment because you are the ballast.

Step 2. Adjust Sail Trim

If the boat is heeling too much

• Ease the mainsheet slightly
• Watch the telltales

If the boat feels underpowered

• Trim the mainsheet in
• Look for both telltales streaming straight back

Remember

Wind is the engine
The mainsheet is the gas pedal

Step 3. Steering Adjustment

If the boat is heeling too much

• Head toward the wind slightly
• Make small, smooth movements

If the boat feels underpowered

• Slightly Bear off, which means turn the bow away from the wind, to build speed

Small steering changes help control heel without losing speed.