Leeward Meaning in Sailing

Leeward (pronounced ‘loo-erd’) describes the direction or side of an object that is shielded from the wind. It is the opposite of ‘windward.’ On a boat, the leeward side is the side that is tilted down toward the water when the vessel is leaning (heeling). Sailors use this term to describe locations, such as ‘leeward of the island,’ where the water is typically calmer because the land blocks the wind. One clear example involves a crew moving to the leeward side to perform maintenance on a sail while protected from the direct breeze. In heavy weather, the leeward side of a boat can be the ‘wet’ side as waves wash over the low gunwale. Knowing your position relative to leeward and windward is essential for every maneuver on deck.