In maneuvers, how can the sway angle affect the vessel's actions?

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The sway angle can significantly influence a vessel's stability and maneuverability during turns. When a vessel is subjected to lateral movements, or sway, particularly at high speeds or during sharp turns, it can lead to a loss of control. This is primarily due to the fact that excessive sway can cause the center of gravity to shift, affecting the vessel's stability and responsiveness to steering inputs.

As the sway angle increases, it can diminish the vessel's grip on the water, which may cause the vessel to become less predictable in its path. This instability can result in unintended tilting, rolling, or even capsizing in extreme cases. Therefore, controlling the sway is critical to maintaining the maneuverability and safety of the vessel during navigational actions.

While there may be benefits or consequences to sway under different circumstances, the assertion that sway can lead to loss of control during turns accurately reflects the inherent risks associated with unmonitored lateral movements of a vessel.

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