Heel – Definition and Pronunciation
What is Heel?
Heel is a term referring to the angle of a sailboat when it leans to one side while sailing.
Examples of Heel
Gear nets or gear hammocks are handy for storing clothes along the V-berth. They keep your clothes easily accessible yet out of the way, and they stay put when you’re on a good heel.
From “Cruising in Comfort on a Sailboat”.
On older boats it may go through the deck with the heel connecting with a mast step just above the keel.
From “Masts and Rigging Systems for Sailing Ships”.
You will find that exceptions can be made on those pipes or systems in which the outlet is above the waterline, but if a boat is operating in rough seas or it is a sailboat that will heel over, those above-water outlets can find themselves submerged (the only pipe that doesn’t have a seacock fitted is the engine exhaust pipe).
From “Marine Plumbing – Systems and Materials”.
Pronunciation of Heel
