[General] Swinging around east

[luxury20041985]

1:30 P.M. Swinging around east toward Chain Shoal bell buoy and the wide and deep channel that parallels Deal Island’s western shore, scene of the skipjack fleet’s annual Labor Day race. Esther C. throwing a little spray now.

William Warner, Beautiful Swimmers: Waterman, Crabs and the Chesapeake Bay

Does "swinging around east" mean turning suddenly around to face east?

 

[jutfrank]

The boat is changing course, to head East.

 

[Skrej]

Does "swinging around east" mean turning suddenly around to face east?

Turn east, yes, but suddenly no. It's a wide arc, like a door swinging gradually open. Imagine the boat is the edge of the door with the handle.

Few boats, if any, can make sudden, sharp turns.