Glossary · Keels, foils & rudders
Rudder
Also called: Safran, safrans, gouvernail, twin rudders, safran relevable
The pivoting fin at the back that steers the boat.
The rudder is controlled by the helm (or the autopilot). Wide racing monohulls have two, one on each side: when the boat heels, the leeward one stays well immersed. On multihulls, each hull can carry one.
Rudders often kick up or are fitted with a breakaway system to survive hitting a floating object. Rudder damage is a common breakdown in offshore racing.