In sailing, the helm refers to the mechanism used to steer a vessel, typically a tiller or a wheel. In a broader sense, it encompasses the entire steering system, including the rudder and its mechanical or hydraulic linkages.

Key Helm Terms & Concepts
Weather Helm: The tendency of a boat to turn toward the wind when the helm is released. This is generally considered a safety feature because the boat will "round up" and stop if the helmsman loses control.

Lee Helm: The tendency of a boat to turn away from the wind. This is often undesirable as it makes the boat harder to control and can lead to dangerous situations, such as an accidental jibe.

Neutral Helm: When the boat maintains a straight course without any steering pressure required.

"Hard-a-Lee" (or Helm's-a-Lee): A command given when tacking to signal that the helm is being pushed to the leeward side to bring the boat through the wind.

The helm is considered "balanced" when it requires minimal effort to keep the boat on a straight course.

Neutral Helm: The boat stays on course without constant rudder adjustment.

Balance Issues: If the sail power is too far back, you get weather helm; if too far forward, you get lee helm.