Definition

1. Adverb:
   • On or toward the lee side: In nautical terminology, "alee" describes a position or direction that is on or toward the side of a vessel that is sheltered from the wind (the lee side). It is the opposite of "awind" or "aweather."
   • With the helm put down to leeward: It can also refer to the action of putting the ship's helm (the steering apparatus) to the leeward side, causing the ship's head to turn away from the wind.

Usage

• Adverb:
  • The small boat drifted alee of the larger ship.
  • The captain ordered the helm put alee to bring the vessel about.

Advanced Usage

• "Hard alee!": A command to put the helm hard over to leeward, typically to turn the bow of the boat through the wind (tacking).
  • When the squall hit, the skipper shouted, "Hard alee!"

Variants and Related Words

• Lee (noun): The side sheltered from the wind.
  • They found shelter in the lee of the island.
• Leeward (adjective/adverb): Pertaining to or moving toward the lee side.
  • The leeward side of the sail is less pressurized.

Synonyms

• To leeward: Toward the lee side.
• Downwind: In the direction the wind is blowing toward.

Antonyms

• Aweather: On or toward the windward side.
• Windward: On the side from which the wind is blowing; facing the wind.

Adverb

1. on or toward the lee
   • put the helm alee