The sideways drift of a vessel from its intended course, caused by wind pushing against the hull and superstructure. Leeway must be accounted for in navigation calculations to ensure the vessel follows the correct track over the ground.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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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.Lee ShoreA shore that lies downwind of a vessel, toward which the wind is blowing.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.MeridianA great circle on the earth's surface passing through both the North and South Poles.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026