LEE SHORE

The terms 'lee shore' and 'weather' or 'windward shore' describe a stretch of shoreline with respect to the wind direction, and is of particular importance when sailing. The ''lee shore'', named because it is to the leeward side of an approaching boat, has the wind blowing ''towards'' the shore. A ''windward shore'', named because it is to the windward side of an approaching boat, has the wind blowing ''away'' from the shore. A given stretch of shoreline can be lee or windward depending on the current wind direction, but areas with consistent winds, such as the trade winds, have shores that are predominantly one or the other.
'Lee shore' can also refer to the shore onto which waves break; often this will be the same as the first definition, since waves and wind often move in similar directions. Surf can also push watercraft into the shore, so the issues in dealing with such a lee shore are similar.

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Dangers of a lee shore

References

Dangers of a lee shore

Lee shores are dangerous to watercraft because, if left to drift, they will be pushed into shore by the wind, possibly running aground. Sailboats are particularly susceptible to this, as even under sail they are limited to the angle they can travel into the wind. Square rigged craft, for instance, can point only slightly to windward, and will have difficulty launching from a lee shore and easily be trapped in a cove of a lee shore.
The beach of a lee shore in a storm is also at a significantly higher risk due to the undiminished effects of the wind and waves. A windward shore will have significantly lower waves and slower winds, as they will have been slowed by passage over the land. A windward shore is still subject to storm surge.

References

★ Kayaking jargon definition of lee shore