I am not sure how to phrase this question. What is the [B]average[/B] speed of a wave ? If a ship is going 7 knots will most waves be passing her ?
Google is your friend. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/u10l2d.cfm And not a bad investment as well.
Wave speed is generally the number of seconds between waves. It's a good measure of sea condition. Pull up Dial-A-Buoy, pick a buoy and go to detailed wave summary.
Thanks. I read an interesting article about the inability of major trawlers to outrun waves and are not designed to allow waves to pass without the risk of broaching.
There's nothing quite like the feel of waves passing under your quarter, especially coming through an inlet. I always like to have enouh power to stay on top of one and ride it all the way in. When you fall back into the traugh all sorts of bad things can happen. Sailboaters and trawlers I guess get used to it and good at dealing with it (or don't last).