SAILING TIPS
Steve Colgate Shows You the Best Way to Steer Backwards Under Power
Here are more great sailing lessons to keep in mind when you are using your engine to maneuver a sailboat. When powering a sailboat backwards, steering is the reverse of steering forward. So take a look at this video and keep these helpful hints in mind:
- Don't face backwards because you won't be able to see what the bow is doing
- Straddle the wheel on one side of the helm station
- Put your arm on top of the wheel
- Push wheel away from you if you want the stern to move away from you
- Pull wheel towards you if you want the stern to come towards you
Want to learn more?
Take sailing lessons with Offshore Sailing School. In the Learn to Sail course you learn to steer backwards using your sails alone and with a small outboard engine. In our Live Aboard Cruising courses you learn how to properly steer a big cruising sailboat backwards when using your engine. Many times you will want to back into a slip in crowded conditions. We want you to learn how to do it the right way and be in control at all times.
Learn to Sail or Learn to Cruise at Offshore Sailing School!