With reference to the excellent article by Jan Adkins on coastwise navigation (Getting Started in Boats, WB No. 214), I would like to offer one suggestion: When navigating in narrow channels, such as Casco Passage, where cross-currents are often present, I have found it useful to glance astern occasionally at the previous mark. It should remain pretty much in a fixed position relative to the course to the next mark. When traversing a channel such as Casco Passage where the buoys marking the channel are fairly close together, one is inclined, if the visibility permits, to head toward the next buoy and neglect the compass. If the strength and direction of the currents have been misjudged, it is possible to drift off course and into hazardous waters even though one is constantly heading for the next buoy.
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