How does windage affect turning into the wind?

Windage is the effect of wind on a vessel, and it plays a significant role in how a boat turns into the wind. When a boat turns into the wind, the wind pushes against the exposed surfaces of the vessel, which can hinder its ability to move freely in that direction. This effect influences both the speed of the boat and the tightness of the turning arc.

Turning into the wind can slow the boat down because the wind is effectively acting against the direction of travel. As the boat makes the turn, the pressure from the wind pushes against the hull, which can create drag and resist the forward motion. This resistance can decrease the boat's speed when turning into the wind.

Additionally, the windage causes the boat to pivot more sharply, leading to a tighter turning arc. The combination of reduced speed and increased pivoting effect allows the boat to turn more sharply than it would if there were little to no wind acting on it.

In summary, when a boat turns into the wind, the impact of windage results in decreased speed and a tighter turning arc, making the choice that indicates this relationship the correct one.