Before you start
Gather the appropriate supplies and review the specific equipment manual.
- Boat-specific sailing notes
- Open practice area
- Crew briefing
Step-by-step instructions
Choose an appropriate practice area
Select open water with safe depth and plenty of distance from shore, vessels and obstacles. Practice in manageable wind and waves with a competent crew.
Understand the balance
Heaving to commonly balances a backed headsail, an eased mainsail and rudder position to reduce forward progress. Behavior varies with hull, keel and sail plan.
Agree on a procedure
Brief who controls the headsail sheet, main and helm, and agree on safe commands before initiating the maneuver.
Observe drift and heading
Monitor the boat heading, slow speed and sideways drift. The boat is not stationary, so look continuously for hazards and current.
Exit deliberately
When ready, use the boat-specific sailing method to return to normal sailing, checking that no lines are fouled.
Safety note
Heaving to is not safe in every condition or location. Maintain a lookout and never treat it as an unattended parking mode.
Key takeaway
Practicing in fair conditions makes the maneuver more useful when a crew needs time to regroup.
Keep this job on your maintenance schedule
Save the topic as a maintenance task, choose a due date or engine-hour target, and record future service. Free and stored on your device.
Add to my maintenance plannerThis guide is for general education. Follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions, current navigation guidance and applicable marine safety standards. When uncertain, use a qualified marine professional.