Lee helm

A boat's tendency to turn her bow away from the wind if the helm is released — generally undesirable.

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Related L-terms

Lift

(1) The aerodynamic or hydrodynamic force generated by a sail or keel that drives the boat…

Lash

To bind or secure with line or webbing.

Laminate sail

A sail made of composite panels — typically film-over-fibre (e.g. Dacron, polyester, Kevla…

LOA

Length Overall — the maximum fore-and-aft hull length, excluding bowsprits and pulpits unl…

Leeward side

The side of the boat or sail opposite the wind.

Lubber line

A fixed reference line on a compass card housing that represents the boat's heading, read …

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