Water Travel

A powered vessel moves at Top
Speed ¥ 2 mph. A sailing craft moves
at Top Speed ¥ 2 mph in ideal wind
conditions; actual speed can drop to a
fraction of this – or even zero –
depending on wind direction and
strength. A rowed vessel can only sus-
tain a speed of Top Speed ¥ 1.5 mph
(and even this will eventually fatigue
the crew).
Currents can increase or reduce
speed directly – typically by a few
mph, depending on the current. Heavy
seas (caused by high winds) usually
reduce speed. An unpowered vessel
faced with a storm may require
Shiphandling and Seamanship rolls
by captain and crew to avoid being
blown off course or worse.
Draft:
“Draft” is the distance
between the vessel’s waterline and its
keel. In water shallower than this, it
will run aground. Re-floating it
requires waiting for a change in tide,
or jettisoning ballast or payload. In
waters of unknown depth, it is best to
proceed slowly and cautiously! (Roll
against Area Knowledge to recall
depth, or against Navigation (Sea) to
read charts.)