To heave to (or heaving-to) describes a maneuver used to bring a boat to a virtual standstill in the water, often to wait out a storm, make repairs, or eat a meal. This is achieved by “backing” the jib (setting it on the opposite side of the wind) and turning the rudder so the boat tries to head into the wind.
The two forces cancel each other out, leaving the boat drifting slowly and safely at an angle to the waves. One specific example involves a sailor heaving to during a heavy squall to keep the boat stable and the crew safe from extreme motion.
This creates a “slick” of calm water on the windward side that prevents waves from breaking over the deck. It is one of the most important safety maneuvers for any offshore sailor to master. Knowing how a specific boat behaves while hove-to is essential for long-distance passage planning.
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