When the vessel is drifting in calm waters, which side faces the wind?

When a vessel is drifting in calm waters, the wind will typically hit the side of the vessel that is perpendicular to the centerline, which is referred to as the beam. This is the broadest part of the vessel, and it allows the wind to exert force evenly on that side, keeping the vessel oriented in the direction that the wind is blowing.

When a vessel is not under power and is drifting, it will naturally orient itself to the wind exposure, and in this case, the beam is the side that faces the wind. This alignment is due to the pressures and forces acting on the hull and the influence of the wind on its structure. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigation and maneuvering, especially in situations where wind and currents may affect the vessel's position.

In contrast, other parts of the vessel, such as the bow and stern, do not face the wind directly when the vessel is drifting, as they are either angled away from the wind or positioned in a way that does not present the largest surface area to the wind's force. The port side specifically refers to the left side of the vessel when facing forward and would not have any direct relationship to the wind direction in this scenario of drifting.