Beware of the Buoys (August 2006)
“Just head for the buoy up ahead, and make sure you leave it to starboard.” An instruction like this is asking for trouble, especially if a novice is steering. All it takes is a bit of cross current and the boat will be gradually set off course, all the while pointing faithfully at the buoy; it may even be set onto the very hazard the buoy is marking. When you steer toward a buoy, always note the compass heading and be ready to compensate for a cross current if the compass heading changes. John Coutts
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