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Weather

In navigation, what is 'fetch'?

Short answer

The distance over water for which wind blows in a broadly consistent direction—one factor in wave development

Fetch is the water distance over which wind acts in a broadly consistent direction. Wave growth also depends on wind strength and duration, water depth, swell and local effects, so longer fetch alone does not determine wave size. Revise this in Coastal Skipper Terminology.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom and general recreational seamanship; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

In navigation, what is 'fetch'?