Definition
Leeway is the angle between the vessel's heading through the water and its actual water track, caused by the wind pushing the hull sideways; it can reach 5 to 10 degrees or more on a yacht close hauled in a fresh breeze. Since the compass shows heading, not track, the helm must steer that many degrees to windward of the desired water track. Leeway is applied before tidal set when constructing a course to steer.
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