The "yards" (cross spars that hold the sails) of the masts turn (left/right/port/starboard) as the wind changes. The braces (sheets) are on a half loop that adjusts with the sails. The yards will turn to about the position in sailing known as a "close reach". The rudder is a weighted free turning rudder with lead in it . When the wind hits the ship as example from the side, the weighted rudder drops to the side of the lean compensating for the ships "weather helm", that is the tendency to turn into the eye, or direction of the wind. With the ship balanced right and the right amount of rudder and lead, the ship will sail straight in even heavy winds.
Trying not to get complicated here...hope that answers your question...