Drift is part of the stage from Venice to Croatia. Small sideways influences can create a clearly visible difference at the destination when they continue over many hours.
Navigation therefore compares the intended route, the heading steered and the actual movement over the ground. The effect becomes visible by comparing the intended route, heading and actual movement over the ground.
Compare regularly
Position and course over ground are checked throughout the passage, not only near the destination. Regular comparisons reveal whether wind, current or steering are moving HERA sideways.
Correct early and calmly
A small adjustment made early is usually easier than a large correction later. Its size follows current position, course over ground and the developing conditions.
Drift appears in the comparison between plan and reality
On a long crossing, setting the correct heading once is not enough. Wind, waves and current can move the yacht sideways while the compass remains unchanged. Planned track, actual position and course over ground are compared regularly. Small deviations can accumulate over hours, so early measured corrections avoid a large last-minute angle near the destination.
The comparison is not confined to the plotter. Compass heading shows where HERA’s bow points, while course over ground shows where the yacht actually moves. The difference does not identify one cause by itself, but makes the combined effect measurable. Positions recorded at sensible intervals support a calm correction instead of chasing every display change.
Frequently asked questions
What is drift?
The sideways displacement of a yacht from its intended track, caused for example by wind or current.
How can it be recognised?
By comparing the planned track, the heading steered and the yacht’s actual position or course over ground.
Why does it matter more on a long passage?
Small sideways differences can accumulate into a much larger error over time.
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Open water at sunset during the Adriatic crossing