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These are my notions regarding leeway.

All sailboats have it.
Read in one of the standard how-to books that a boat on a beam reach has circa 
4 degrees and same boat close hauled circa 8 degrees.  Obviously different 
for different boats.
This isn't a problem for an experienced helmsman coastal cruising. They just 
allow for it by visual ranges.
It is an issue when navigating by compass bearing or chart planning though.
I figure that I can't steer closer than 5 degrees on the compass; I can't do 
arithmetic in my head at all (especially if both hands are in use); and it is 
better on a sail boat to sail high of your mark than right at it.
So...  I allow 5 degrees for leeway if I'm beem reaching and 10 if close hauled.

Oh...  This was only meant to address leeway caused by windage; not set and drift.


Original Message:
-----------------
From- Peter ffive@TPG.COM.AU
Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2001 10:35:51 +1100
To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
Subject: [NAV-L] leeway


'I gave myself a headache once trying to account for leeway on a trip,
and gave up.'

This is just a rough rule of thumb. Look at the wake your boat is
leaving behind. If the leeway is significant you will see it stream out
not dead astern, but at an angle of, say, 10 degrees. I have heard of
people putting marks on their pushpit indicating 5, 10, etc degrees so
they can factor it in to their calculations. My experience is that the
effect is generally mild  EXCEPT for when you are carrying too much sail
for the conditions and are consequently being excessively heeled. The
keel can no longer work efectively and then you do make lots of leeway.
Another reason for reefing early.

Peter Fogg

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