Heave-to

To heave to is to hold a vessel nearly stationary in heavy weather by balancing engine, helm, and the sea so the ship keeps a safe attitude to wind and waves without making appreciable way. A power vessel heaves to by reducing to steerage speed and bringing the sea about one to three points off the bow, easing pitching and slamming while keeping the rudder effective. A sailing vessel backs a small headsail against a lashed helm so the boat lies roughly 50 degrees off the wind, forereaching slowly and leaving a slick to windward that knocks down breaking crests. It is one storm tactic among running off and lying to a sea anchor.