tides, currents, and leeway 117
How to Correct for Leeway Wind Drift
All vessels tend to sideslip, or make leeway, except with the wind dead ahead
or astern. High-freeboard power vessels make leeway at slower speeds when
the wind strikes their sides. Sailing vessels make lots of leeway when hard on
the wind and less leeway when well off the wind. Light airs and heavy winds
have more impact than moderate breezes.
THREE METHODS FOR ESTIMATING LEEWAY
Choose any of these methods to make a rough estimate of your boat’s leeway
angle.
- Take a bearing on your wake trail. Use your handbearing compass to
estimate leeway angle. Sight dead astern with your compass. Wait several
minutes, then sight along the wake line to windward. Th e diff erence in the
two angles gives you your leeway angle. - Take a bearing to an object astern. Find a landmark, light structure, or
buoy dead astern. Take a bearing with the handbearing compass. Hold a
steady course for a several minutes, and then take a second bearing. Th e
diff erence in bearings is your leeway angle.
A CTS triangle helps determine the new course to steer based on the impact of the current.