How do wind and current affect vessel handling?

• A. Wind and current affect drift, steering, and stability; plan course and speed accordingly.
• B. Wind and current have no effect on handling.
• C. Only current matters.
• D. Only wind affects course.

Answer: (A)

Wind and current influence how a vessel actually travels, not just how fast it seems to move through the water. Wind pushes the bow and sides, creating sideways drift (leeway) and a tendency to weathercock, so you must apply a helm correction to keep your intended track. Current pushes the hull along the water’s flow, changing your ground track and your speed over ground; you may need more or less power and a different heading to maintain your desired line. The two forces can combine to move you off course or alter your turning behavior, and they can affect stability, especially with strong crosswinds. Because of these effects, you plan your course and speed to compensate—set a heading that offsets the expected drift and adjust throttle to maintain the desired track with safe margins.