East

East is one of the four cardinal directions used in marine navigation, shown as 090° on a compass rose. A vessel steering due east is travelling towards 090° true or magnetic, depending on the reference being used for the chart, instrument, or navigation instruction.

For boaters, east is fundamental when plotting a course, interpreting bearings, or confirming position against a chartplotter. It affects your Heading, relationship to Latitude and Longitude, and how you read a Compass in reduced visibility, at night, or offshore.

In weather, an easterly wind blows from the east, which is important for sail choice, sea state, lee shores, and route timing. PredictWind forecasts, GRIBs, and Weather Routing help visualise easterly winds alongside current, swell, and pressure so you can plan safer, more efficient passages.