Definition
The average speed over the ground assumed for planning, allowing for tidal stream, leeway, sea state and, in a sailing yacht, the distance lost by tacking rather than sailing the rhumb line. It is normally well below the vessel's best speed through the water: a yacht that sails at 6 knots is usually planned at 4.5 to 5 knots. Passage times, fuel figures, tidal gates and ETAs all rest on this number being honest.
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