What does "headway" refer to in nautical terms?

In nautical terms, "headway" refers specifically to the forward motion of a vessel through the water. This concept is crucial for understanding a vessel's maneuverability and its ability to navigate effectively. Headway is an important factor in determining how a vessel responds to wind and waves, and it influences the vessel's speed over ground as well as its interactions with other vessels and maritime environment.

Knowing the definition of headway helps a coxswain assess the vessel's performance and plan maneuvers during various situations like docking, passing other boats, or navigating in inclement weather. It is a fundamental term in seamanship that emphasizes movement in the desired direction, contrasting with terms that describe other motions, such as reverse movement or anchoring status.