During a Williamson turn, if the vessel has swung about 60° from the original course heading, what action should be taken?

During a Williamson turn, if the vessel has swung about 60° from the original course heading, what action should be taken?

• A. Shift your rudder
• B. Apply full ahead
• C. Steer to port with gentle rudder
• D. Reduce speed to idle

Answer: (A)

In a Williamson turn, you transition from the initial leg to the final return by shifting the rudder once you’ve swept about 60° off your original heading. Moving the rudder at this point changes the turning direction and starts the final leg back toward the reciprocal course, giving you a controlled return path. Keeping the same rudder angle would keep you on the initial arc and risk overshooting or losing control. Applying full ahead would raise speed and make the turn harder to manage. Steering with a gentle rudder in the opposite direction might not match the required turn direction, and reducing speed to idle removes steering control altogether. Shifting the rudder provides the precise, coordinated transition needed for a safe Williamson turn.

In a Williamson turn, you transition from the initial leg to the final return by shifting the rudder once you’ve swept about 60° off your original heading. Moving the rudder at this point changes the turning direction and starts the final leg back toward the reciprocal course, giving you a controlled return path.

Keeping the same rudder angle would keep you on the initial arc and risk overshooting or losing control. Applying full ahead would raise speed and make the turn harder to manage. Steering with a gentle rudder in the opposite direction might not match the required turn direction, and reducing speed to idle removes steering control altogether. Shifting the rudder provides the precise, coordinated transition needed for a safe Williamson turn.