Definition
Weather helm arises when the centre of effort of the sail plan lies aft of the hull's centre of lateral resistance, a condition worsened by heel, which pushes the driving force outboard and creates a turning couple. A light weather helm of a few degrees of rudder gives feel and is designed in as a safety feature. Excessive helm means the boat is overpressed and calls for a reef, more mainsheet traveller down, or a flatter sail.
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