Marine terminology is almost a separate language, jargon, which is completely incomprehensible to most people who are not connected with navigation. This is explained by the fact that most of the marine concepts came into Russian from other languages, mainly from English and Dutch. One of these terms, the meaning of which will be disclosed in the article, is "wake".
Origin of the word
This term dates back to the Dutch language. It consists of the words "kiel" and "water". "Kiel" is translated as "keel" and means the term beam, running along the bottom of the vessel from the bow to the stern. And "water" is "water." Thus, the word "wake" is literally "water from under the keel" or "water under the keel".
Meaning of the term "wake"
This word can have two meanings.
Firstly, a wake is a jet remaining in the water behind a moving vessel. Therefore, the terms "wake stream" or "wake track" are more often used.
The length of the jet depends on the size and speed of the ships, as well as on the state of the sea: in turbulent weather, the wake will disappear from the surface of the water faster. The wake trail remains not only after ships moving on the surface of the sea, but also in the water after submarines. Militarily, the wake is a phenomenon that contributes to unmasking.
The second meaning of the word refers to the formation of ships. By wake is meant the type of construction of ships when they follow each other at a certain distance in the wake stream. Another name is the wake column.
This type of construction is the simplest, since to follow the general course, it is enough to focus on the stern of the vessel in front. It is especially convenient to sail in wake convoys through dangerous territories, for example, where there is a chance of running into a mine.
In connection with the term, the expression "go (follow) in the wake" appeared. In a figurative sense, this means being under someone’s influence, following someone, being led.
Wake and fairway
Another similar term is sometimes associated with the concept of wake - fairway. The word "fairway" also came from the Dutch language and means the safe course of the ship, the path laid along the sea, river or any other reservoir. The safety of passage is justified by the absence of any obstacles or surprises in the water - mines, reefs, underwater rocks and so on.
Thus, the wake is a term of Dutch origin, having a double meaning. Depending on the context and situation, it denotes either a stream in the water behind the stern, or the type of construction of ships.