What is leeway in navigation?

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Study for the Naval Ships and Submarines Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is leeway in navigation?

Explanation:
Leeway is the sideways drift of a vessel off its intended course caused by wind and currents, and it can be influenced by steering errors. When a ship points in a certain direction (heading) but the wind pushes on the hull and the current runs across the vessel, the actual path over the ground (track) shifts to the side. The difference between the heading and the track is the leeway angle. This concept is why navigators must compensate by adjusting their heading to stay on course.

Leeway is the sideways drift of a vessel off its intended course caused by wind and currents, and it can be influenced by steering errors. When a ship points in a certain direction (heading) but the wind pushes on the hull and the current runs across the vessel, the actual path over the ground (track) shifts to the side. The difference between the heading and the track is the leeway angle. This concept is why navigators must compensate by adjusting their heading to stay on course.

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