How would you describe "drift" in nautical terms?

How would you describe "drift" in nautical terms?

• A. The vessel's drift due to wind on sails
• B. The motion of a vessel caused by the current moving it off its intended track
• C. The ship's sideways movement
• D. The vertical movement due to waves

Answer: (B)

Drift is the vessel being carried off its intended track by the current. When you steer for a certain course, the water’s movement can push the hull sideways, so the track you actually follow over the ground diverges from the heading you set. Wind can cause leeway, a related effect, but drift specifically refers to how the current shifts your path. The vertical movement of waves is a different motion called heave, not drift. For example, you might aim for 090 degrees, but the current pushes you so your track over ground goes to 095 degrees—that difference is drift.

Drift is the vessel being carried off its intended track by the current. When you steer for a certain course, the water’s movement can push the hull sideways, so the track you actually follow over the ground diverges from the heading you set. Wind can cause leeway, a related effect, but drift specifically refers to how the current shifts your path. The vertical movement of waves is a different motion called heave, not drift. For example, you might aim for 090 degrees, but the current pushes you so your track over ground goes to 095 degrees—that difference is drift.