Chapter
V - PreparationSection
3 - Awareness Of Environmental Conditions
Leeway
Leeway is caused by wind or current pushing
your boat off course. Boats with a large amount of surface area above
the waterline (freeboard) will be affected by the wind to a greater degree
than low profile boats. Additionally, boats with a large keel or underwater
profile will be affected by current to a greater degree than planing boats
with less structure under the water. You should compensate for leeway
by steering into wind or current in order to make good a straight course
to your destination.
You can visualize leeway by looking back
at your wake while on a steady compass heading. If your wake is not following
directly behind you, but being set to one side or the other, you are experiencing
leeway and should correct.