A shore that lies downwind of a vessel, toward which the wind is blowing. A lee shore is dangerous because wind and waves push the vessel toward the land, making it difficult to manoeuvre away and increasing the risk of grounding.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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HeadingThe direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, measured in degrees from north.KnotA unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.852 kilometres per hour or 1.151 miles per hour.LatitudeThe angular distance of a point north or south of the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles.LeewayThe sideways drift of a vessel from its intended course, caused by wind pushing against the hull and superstructure.LongitudeThe angular distance of a point east or west of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, measured in degrees from 0 to 180.Magnetic NorthThe direction indicated by a magnetic compass needle toward the earth's magnetic north pole, which differs from true north by an angle called magnetic variation or declination.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026