What is the verb for controlling the boat's direction with the tiller or wheel to maintain a course?

• A. Steer
• B. Helm
• C. Sail
• D. Trim

Answer: (A)

Steer is the action of guiding the boat’s direction by moving the tiller or wheel to position the rudder and hold a course. When you steer, you’re actively maintaining your heading against wind, current, and waves. The term helm refers to the steering station or the position of the person steering, and while “to helm” can be used in some contexts, the standard verb used to describe the act of controlling direction is steer. The other options relate to propulsion or sail trim rather than directing the boat’s course: sail involves using the sails to move, and trim adjusts sail shape for efficiency rather than steering the boat.