Leeward – Definition and Pronunciation
What is Leeward?
Leeward is the direction toward which the wind is blowing, or the downwind side of a boat.
Examples of Leeward
You can use your own boat to help determine this – for example, you first notice the boat off your bow. From where you’re sitting, she appears right in line with, say, the leeward grabrail.
From “More Sailing Knowledge and Skills”.
The seamen either climbed onto the leeward channels (platforms along the ship’s side for spreading the rigging) and urinated into the sea, or went forward to the beakhead or «heads».
From “Historical Facts About Famous Women Pirates”.
Warn the crew by saying, «Ready about». Again the crew stands by the jibsheet and says, «Ready». As you begin your turn, the helmsman always says, «Helm’s a-lee», meaning the helm has been put to leeward.
From “Getting Underway and Sailing on the Sailboat”.
The multihull has very high initial stability but no ultimate stability. This means that in severe conditions the boat could be flipped upside down from carrying too much sail, by catching a leeward hull, or by a rogue wave.
From “Basic Hull, Keel, and Rudder Shapes”.