Offshore Sailing School founder Steve Colgate provides tips on steering a sailboat backwards. He suggests facing forward, straddling the wheel, putting your arm on top of the wheel, pushing the wheel away from you, or pulling the wheel towards you. To steer a full keel or any difficult sailboat in reverse, turn your body so your front body is facing the stern.
When going in reverse, leave the boat in reverse and cycle the transmission into and out of reverse in pulses of 3-5 seconds. Techniques for maneuvering in reverse include turning the body so your front body is facing the stern, and using various types of steering systems. Boat operators must practice the reversing procedure many times to develop a feel for successfully completing the maneuver.
Steering a boat in reverse requires complete situational awareness, being fully aware of all obstacles and hazards in the area. If passengers have them act as spotters, they can ensure safety. Reversing the boat smoothly and accurately is one of the most important skills.
To steer a single-screw vessel in reverse, start with the stern at an angle to the desired direction, such as starboard or port.
📹 How to Steer a Sailboat in Reverse, Full Keel
In this video I demonstrate a technique for steering your full keel, or any difficult sailboat in reverse.
📹 How To Steer a Sailboat in Reverse: Tiller and Outboard Motor
Most newbie Sailors pretty quickly get comfortable at the tiller when the sails are up, but ask them to get in and out of a slip…well, …
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