If you're anything like me, steering a set compass course on a small cruising boat can be a daunting task. Even the best helmsmen sometimes find it tough to stay within five degrees of the course. These five steps will show you how easy it can be on all points of sail in any weather!

The easiest course on a small cruising boat will be one that averages the actual steering compass course. For example, if the course from A to B is 090 degrees, it's easier to steer a range of compass courses above and below 090 degrees than to try to steer exactly 090 degrees.

These five steps will relieve you from fighting the helm, reduce physical fatigue, and result in an accurate course to get you to your destination:

1. Set an off-course allowance

Weather helm can cause your sailboat to want to round up toward the wind on any course. Steer an average of courses to make good your sailing course. This results in less fatigue and eye strain.

Add and subtract five degrees to each side of the steering course.

You will allow your small sailboat to "wander" this many degrees to each side of the your actual course at specific intervals.

In our example, we would come up with 095 degrees (090+5) and 085 degrees (090-5).

Notice how the sailing vessel in the illustration hugs the sailing course with this technique.

2. Steer the first off-course leg

Glance at the time on your watch. Steer a course between the steering compass course and one of the courses five degrees on either side. In our example, let's begin by steering between 090 degrees and 085 degrees (see illustration).

3. Change course at a set time interval

Pick a convenient elapsed time--say ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes--and steer for that exact interval. In our example, we will steer for fifteen minutes between 090 degrees and 085 degrees.

4. Alter course to the opposite off-course leg

Change course and now steer between 090 degrees and 095 degrees. Glance at your watch again and do this for exactly fifteen minutes (or your chosen time interval).

5. Return to the original off-course leg

Return to the original compass course range and steer between 090 degrees and 085 degrees. Monitor your time to make sure you steer for the exact time interval.

Continue this sequence as long as you are on this particular compass course. If you change to a new course, begin the sequence again. You can change time intervals on any course as long as you repeat that interval on the opposite side of the course.

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Show your sailing crew how to steer an easier compass course with these five easy steps. They will experience less fatigue and stress, and enjoy their time at the sailboat tiller or wheel a lot more!

"It should be read by anyone contemplating
coastal cruising or blue water voyages."
- Ted Brewer, world famous yacht designer

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