How can sailors utilize the concept of "course over ground" (COG)?

Sailors can utilize the concept of "course over ground" (COG) to determine their actual path over the water, accounting for external factors such as currents and wind. COG represents the direction in which the vessel is moving relative to the Earth's surface and is crucial for navigating accurately.

When sailing, the vessel may be affected by currents, tides, and the wind, which can cause it to drift off its intended course. By understanding COG, sailors can adjust their navigation accordingly. For instance, if a current is pushing them off their desired route, knowing their actual COG allows them to make necessary steering adjustments to compensate for that drift and stay on course toward their destination.

The other options focus on different aspects of sailing; for example, calculating fuel consumption is relevant to motorized vessels, estimating tides involves understanding astronomical influences which are separate from navigation concepts like COG, and assessing safety in adverse weather pertains more to overall vessel condition than to the specifics of course over ground navigation. Therefore, option A is the correct and relevant application of the COG concept for sailors.