South

South is one of the four cardinal directions used in marine navigation, shown as S on a compass rose and equivalent to a bearing of 180 degrees. It may be expressed as true south or magnetic south, depending on whether the reference is geographic north or the vessel’s magnetic compass.

For boaters, south is used to describe courses, bearings, wind, swell and tidal movement. A skipper may steer a southerly Heading, confirm it on the Compass, or assess a forecast south wind through Wind Direction. Clear direction references reduce navigation errors, improve watch handovers and support safer passage planning.

In PredictWind forecasts and routing, south-based terms help interpret weather maps, GRIB data and route outputs, such as a southerly breeze or a track leading south. During Weather Routing, understanding directional references helps compare course options, avoid adverse conditions and optimise arrival timing.