To exhibit severe weather helm, where a sailing vessel constantly tries to pivot its bow into the oncoming wind. This forces the helmsman to apply heavy, continuous pressure on the tiller or wheel to maintain a straight course. It usually results from an unbalanced sail plan, an overloaded bow, or excessive heeling, and it creates unwanted drag from the rudder.
Heard on the job
She starts to gripe heavily if you overtrim the main in a stiff breeze, so be ready to ease the sheet.
Do not mix it up with
- Yaw: Yawing is swinging side to side off course, while griping is a specific, persistent pull of the bow directly into the wind.