Helm (USS Constellation)

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This ship’s wheel, also known as the helm, steered the ship. It is here near the stern because the rope on the helm attaches directly to the rudder on the back of the ship. This double helm allows for more crew members to work on the helm in rough seas or poor weather. As you move through the ship, keep an eye out for the rope as it moves through the decks to attach to the rudder on the stern of the ship. Being this far back on the ship made it hard for the helmsman to see the front of the ship. This is not problematic because when a ship is at sea, they are not navigating by sight, but by compass. There are binnacles that hold the compasses on each side of the helm. If there is a glare from the sun, one compass should still be visible. From here the helmsman could see the crew aloft and how the sails were working in the wind. NOTE: In the warmer months in port, awnings were placed on the ship to protect the crew from the sun. When the ship was sailing, there would not be awnings in place. The area around the helm was informally known as the "Quarterdeck." On more traditional ships the quarterdeck was a raised area about 2/3rds of the way to the stern where the helm was and from where the Captain commanded the ship. Constellation only has a flat spar deck, but the area near the helm was the post from which the Captain or the Officer of the Watch would likely command the ship. It is also were formal ceremonies such as promotions, changes of command, etc. took place, and from where announcements were read to the crew.

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