Nautical Term: Steerage way
Definition of Steerage way
Steerage way refers to the minimal speed at which a vessel can maintain its course in the water. In other words, it’s the speed below which the rudder has no effect, and the vessel starts drifting off course.
For instance, imagine a small sailboat trying to navigate through a calm bay. If the sailor reduces the sail area too much, the boat may lose headway and start drifting sideways. At this point, the sailor needs to raise the sail enough to regain the steerage way and maintain control of the boat.
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