Which helm is described as turning away from the wind in light wind when the mainsail is underpowered?

• A. Weather Helm
• B. Lee Helm
• C. Neutral Helm
• D. Rudder Helm

Answer: (B)

Lee helm is the tendency of a boat to turn away from the wind. In light wind, when the mainsail is underpowered, the center of effort shifts aft relative to the boat’s center of lateral resistance, so the helm causes the boat to bear off rather than head into the wind. To balance this, you can increase sail power (trim the mainsail more effectively, use the jib) or move weight forward to bring the center of effort ahead of the resistance. Neutral or weather helm would occur under different sail trim or balance conditions.