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Set & Drift - Current Triangle

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Resolve set and drift of a current into along-track and across-track components for leeway compensation - the classical vector triangle.

Formula

$$ v_{along} = D \cos(S - C), \quad v_{cross} = D \sin(S - C) $$

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$S$Current set (toward)°Tchart / ECDIS
$D$Drift speedkntide tables
$C$Course over ground°TGPS

Sources

  • Bowditch Pub.9 Ch.7.