steerageway

/ˈstɪə.ɹɪd͡ʒˌweɪ/

Etymology

From steerage + way.

Why this word is great

STEERAGEWAY — [Noun] The minimum speed of a ship required for the rudder to be effective in steering. From steerage ("the effect of the helm on a ship") + way ("path or course"). Unlike "drift" (which implies surrender to external forces) or "dead in the water" (which denotes utter stillness), steerageway is the delicate threshold between motion and mastery. It is the faint hum of engines just strong enough to answer the helm, the slow parting of water at the bow when a vessel begins to obey its own will, or the quiet satisfaction of a captain feeling the ship wake beneath her hands—proof that even the barest momentum can be enough to carve a path through the indifferent sea.

noun

The minimum speed of a ship, below which it does not answer the helm and cannot be steered.“The latter made one tremendous spurt, then gave up in despair and hauled in his oars. French Pete let go the main-sheet, lost steerageway as he rounded up alongside the motionless skiff, and dragged Joe out.”