Module 10 - Chartwork
Leeway
Leeway is the sideways drift caused by wind pushing the boat off course. A yacht sailing in strong winds will make leeway — the boat slides sideways to leeward. The amount depends on wind strength, sea state, boat type, and point of sail.
Leeway is estimated in degrees and applied to the course steered. If the wind is on the port side, the boat is pushed to starboard — you apply leeway to starboard (add it to the course). Typical leeway values are 3–10° for a yacht in moderate conditions.
When constructing a CTS vector triangle, leeway is applied to the water track after solving the triangle — rotate the water track direction to windward by the leeway angle before converting to compass. Alternatively, some navigators apply leeway to the ground track line before starting the triangle.
Key points
- Leeway = sideways drift from wind (typically 3–10°)
- Applied as a correction to course steered
- Wind on port side → leeway to starboard (add to course)
- Wind on starboard side → leeway to port (subtract from course)
- Greater in stronger winds and rougher seas
- Apply to water track after the CTS triangle, or adjust ground track before
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