Balance of a sailboat is important when sailing in high winds.  A sailboat will have a tendency to turn into or away from the wind depending up on the sail configuration and balance of the boat.  As shown in the figure to the right, the force of the wind produces a "center of effort" and the resistance to this force by the sailboat and keel produces a "center of lateral resistance".  If the "center of effort" is aft (behind) the "center of lateral resistance" the boat will have the tendency to turn into the wind.  In heavy winds, this force can be quite strong and is referred to as weather helm.  Reefing in the main more than the jib will reduce weather helm and make the boat easier to sail.  However, some weather helm is desirable.  If the "center of effort" is forward to the "center of lateral resistance", this will cause the boat to turn away from the wind.  In a strong wind this can cause excessive heeling and even an accidental jibe.

If the rudder is lost, a sailboat can be steered by adjusting the boat's balance.  Reducing the sail area of jib in relationship to the mainsail will turn the boat into the wind ( head up ).  Reducing the sail area or depowering the mainsail in relationship to the jib will cause the boat to turn away from the wind ( head down ).