Question 4150 Deck General

The correct answer is D) lateral movement of a vessel downwind of her intended course. Leeway refers to the sideways movement of a vessel caused by the wind and current, which pushes the vessel off its intended course. This lateral movement is the result of the vessel's hull and superstructure interacting with the wind, causing it to drift to leeward, or downwind, of its intended path. The other answer choices do not accurately describe the concept of leeway.