over-canvassed
Adjective
Meaning
over-canvassed (comparative more over-canvassed, superlative most over-canvassed)
Of a sailing boat (dinghy, yacht or sailing ship): carrying too much sail for the current wind conditions.
Examples
A sailing boat that is over-canvassed and therefore heeling excessively, may sail less efficiently.
This can lead to difficulties in controlling the vessel if over-canvassed.
When changing course from this point of sail to a reach or a beat, a sailboat that seemed under control can instantly become over-canvassed and in danger.