West

West is one of the four cardinal directions used in marine navigation, lying 270° clockwise from north on a compass rose. A vessel may steer, plot, or describe a position to the west, and a westerly wind is generally understood as wind blowing from the west.

Knowing where west lies is fundamental when setting a course, checking a Compass, or confirming a vessel’s Heading. It also matters when interpreting Wind Direction, because a west wind can create very different sailing angles, sea states, and lee-shore risks depending on your route and coastline.

In PredictWind forecasts, west appears in wind arrows, route bearings, GRIB data, and map orientation. Weather Routing and Departure Planning use directional data to help compare options, avoid unfavourable conditions, and choose safer, more efficient passages.