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Navigation & chartwork

What does 'making good' a course mean?

Short answer

Actually achieving the desired track over the ground; planned corrections may help, but the result is observed

Course made good is the direction actually achieved over the ground over the stated interval; speed made good is the corresponding achieved ground speed. Corrections may be planned, but 'made good' describes the result rather than proving every influence was perfectly predicted. Revise this in Directions and Movement.

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

What does 'making good' a course mean?