How to Steer Tall Ships and Traditional Vessels with Confidence
Using a Ship’s Wheel or Tiller Explained – A Guide for Beginners and Modern-Yacht Sailors
Steering a tall ship or traditional vessel is not the same as helming a modern yacht. If you are new to sailing, or if you have only sailed smaller modern yachts, you may be surprised at the difference in response time. This guide explains how steering works with a ship’s wheel or a tiller, what to expect, and how to overcome nerves so you can steer with confidence.
Why is steering a traditional vessel different from a modern yacht?
On a modern yacht, the helm responds quickly. A small turn on the wheel or tiller produces an immediate change of course. On a tall ship or traditional vessel, the reaction is slower. You move the helm, then wait for the ship to respond. That delay can feel unnerving if you expect instant results.
Once you understand that lag, you learn to anticipate it. Instead of over-steering, you start to make smaller, smoother inputs and trust the ship to follow.
Why do newcomers feel nervous about steering a tall ship?
Many first-time helmsmen worry about losing control. You might ask yourself:
- What if I turn too much and the ship keeps going?
- What if I cannot keep the course steady?
- What if I panic and overreact?
These worries are normal. The key is patience. The ship will not suddenly veer off course. It moves steadily, and you have time to notice and adjust. Crew are always close by to guide you, so you are never left unsupported.
What simple question can I ask before I take the helm?
Question: Is there a way to feel prepared before I start steering?
Yes. Ask: “How much helm does she need at the moment”
This question shows you are thinking about how this specific vessel responds. It also gives you a direct answer about how sensitive the helm is. If the crew say “she only needs half a turn either way,” you know to go gently. If they say “you’ll need a few full turns before she answers,” you are ready to wait for the response.
Why should I ask about how the ship will respond?
Question: Isn’t every ship the same once you know the basics?
No. Every ship is different, and every wind and wave combination is different too. That means the same vessel can feel lively one day and heavy the next. Asking how your ship is likely to respond before you take over the helm is both sensible and seamanlike. It shows you are paying attention, and it arms you with the right expectations.
How does the rudder actually work?
The rudder works by redirecting the flow of water. When you angle the rudder, pressure builds on one side and pushes stern away, it’s like having your turning wheels at the back instead of the front. The bow eventually follows, but it takes time. This is why the effect feels delayed compared to a modern yacht.
Understanding this physical process helps you realise the ship is not ignoring your helm input—it is simply slower to show the result.
How do I steer with a ship’s wheel?
To steer with a wheel:
- Move the top of the wheel towards the side you want the bow to go.
- Several turns may be needed before the rudder reaches full angle.
- Expect a slow, steady change of course rather than a sharp swing.
Question: How do I avoid over-steering?
Answer: As soon as you see the bow beginning to turn, ease the wheel back to centre. If you wait too long, you risk overshooting.
How do I steer with a tiller?
A tiller works in reverse. Push the tiller to port, and the bow goes to starboard. Unlike the wheel, you feel direct resistance in your hands as the rudder meets water pressure. This gives immediate feedback, which helps beginners develop a light touch.
Many sailors find that once they have learned to steer by tiller, handling a wheel later feels easier.
How do I know how much helm to use?
The rule is: less is more.
- Apply a small amount of helm.
- Wait for the ship to respond.
- Watch your heading against a fixed point.
- Ease the helm back before you reach your target course.
The exact amount depends on vessel design, wind, and speed. Each ship has its own “lag time” which you quickly learn to sense.
And remember: asking how much helm is needed before you begin gives you the shortcut answer.
What should I look at while steering?
The best reference is always something steady and distant: a landmark, a cloud, a rigging line against the horizon, or at night, a star. Keep your eyes on it to see if the ship is drifting.
You may also be told a compass course to hold. The compass confirms what your eyes already sense.
Steering by compass
This can take a bit of getting used to. The compass always points to the north and the ship moves around the compass. That’s the key idea, move the ship around the compass. Your compass course will be given as any number between 0 and 360 but normally it’s either a 5 or a 10 at the end. You would not be expected to steer a course of 217 for instance, it would be 210 or 215 and no one is going to complain if you stray within about 5 degrees either side.
What if the ship wants to turn by itself?
This is called helm balance. If the ship naturally heads into the wind, you apply weather helm. If it drifts away from the wind, that’s lee helm. Both are normal. You just need to apply steady, light pressure to correct it.
What happens when I take over the helm?
Before you take the wheel or tiller, the crew will tell you:
- The course to steer
- How much helm is usually needed
- What sails are set and the point of sail
With this handover, you start from a steady position. You are not expected to figure it out alone.
What does “steer full and bye” mean?
It is an old command meaning: keep the sails full and draw as close to the wind as possible. It is the classic test of steady, skilful steering. It requires you to concentrate on how the sails are drawing, no flapping.There should be a flag flying aloft that shows the wind direction over the ship, I find studying this flags angle and the set of the sails the high point of helming, don’t worry if you not quite ready for this, it does require experience..
How can I build real confidence at the helm?
Ask yourself these checks while steering:
- Am I making small, smooth adjustments?
- Have I waited long enough before correcting again?
- Do I have a fixed point to steer towards?
- Am I listening to crew instructions?
- Did I ask how this ship is likely to respond today?
With practice, the delay between action and response becomes second nature. What once felt unnerving turns into a steady rhythm.
Confidence comes from patience, repetition, and curiosity. The simple act of asking one or two good questions before you start can make all the difference.
Final Word
Whether you are standing behind a great oak wheel or leaning into a tiller, steering a traditional vessel is not a test of nerve. It is a shared responsibility, taught with care, and one of the most memorable parts of any voyage.
Do it once, and you will remember it for life.
Learn to Steer in a formal way on a RYA Competent Crew Course
