Lee shore

The terms lee shore and weather or windward shore are nautical terms used to describe a stretch of shoreline. These terms are defined from the point of view of a boat near the shore, so a "lee shore" is one found to the leeward side of the boat, and a "weather" or "windward shore" is one found to the windward side of the boat. This is the reverse of what is commonly expected, due to the point of reference; the lee shore is on the windward side of the body of land, and the windward shore on the leeward side. [*cite web |url=http://www.seapaddler.co.uk/Jargon.htm |title=Kayaking jargon]

Lee shore can also refer to the shore onto which waves break; often this will be the same as the first definition, since waves and wind often move in similar directions. Surf can also push watercraft into the shore, so the issues in dealing with such a lee shore are similar.

Dangers of a lee shore

Lee shores are dangerous to watercraft because, if left to drift, they will be pushed into shore by the wind, possibly running aground. Sailboats are particularly susceptible to this, as even under sail they are limited to the angle they can travel into the wind; Square rigged craft, for instance, can point only slightly to windward. It is possible for a sailing vessel to become trapped along a lee shore, with the only recourse being to use an engine, or use anchors to kedge out. Because of this, it is always preferable to travel along a weather shore, especially in inclement weather. [cite book |title=A Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing |author=Dixon Kemp, Brooke Heckstall-Smith |publisher=Horace Cox |year=1900] [cite book |title=The Kedge-anchor; Or, Young Sailors' Assistant |author=William N. Brady |year=1864]

The beach of a lee shore in a storm is also at a significantly higher risk due to the undiminished effects of the wind and waves. A windward shore will have significantly lower waves and slower winds, as they will have been slowed by passage over the land. A windward shore is still subject to storm surge.

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