Lee helm

There are two different meanings to the term lee helm depending on whether one is discussing sailboats or motorized ships.

While sailing, an undirected boat with lee helm will bear (turn) away from the wind, accelerate, and perform an accidental or uncontrolled gybe, perhaps repeatedly.

A small amount of lee helm can be counter-acted with the rudder, but this introduces significant drag in the water and slows the boat.

Large amounts of lee helm can only be corrected by altering the placement of the mast(s) or keel/centerboard --- a non-trivial venture.

In August 2017, the destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) was involved in a collision resulting in massive casualties, including the deaths of ten American sailors.