If your vessel becomes a drift in the wind, which side will the wind hit your boat?

When a vessel is adrift due to wind, it will be subjected to the forces of the wind acting on its sides. The term "beam" refers to the sides of the vessel, specifically the area that is perpendicular to the length of the boat. When drift occurs, the wind will collide with the broadside of the vessel, which is the beam area. This creates a push against the boat, causing it to move sideways rather than forward or backward, as the wind is exerting force on the widest part of the vessel.

Understanding the direction of wind on a boat is crucial for navigating in these conditions. When the wind blows against the beam, it can cause the vessel to turn or alter its drift direction based on the wind's force and the boat's center of gravity. This knowledge is vital for a captain when planning maneuvers or seeking to regain control of a drifting vessel.