How many knots of wind is equivalent to 1 knot of current?

The question relates to the relationship between wind speed and current speed in the context of marine navigation. In theory, there is a commonly accepted approximation in maritime practice that equates 1 knot of current to approximately 30 knots of wind.

This is based on the understanding that wind affects the movement of water, but the two are not directly comparable in a straightforward manner. Factors such as wind direction, the surface area of the water, and even the vessel's design can influence how current translates into equivalent wind speed. However, the 1:30 ratio is a practical guideline often used for estimating how wind conditions might equate to the effectiveness of current on a vessel.

In contrast, the other values (10, 20, and 50 knots) do not accurately reflect this approximate relationship and would not be used within standard practices or calculations pertaining to maritime navigation. They would either underestimate or grossly overestimate the effect of the wind compared to the current, leading to potential miscalculations in navigation or vessel handling.