40. At 0100 you notice that the wind has become SSW'ly and has freshened. At 0200 you sight Stratford Point Lighted Bell Buoy «18» bearing 268°pgc. At 0215 the buoy bears 269°pgc. Which statement is TRUE?

The nearly constant bearing to buoy «18» indicates the vessel is on a track that will result in a close approach, and the SSW wind is setting the vessel toward the buoy and away from Middle Ground Shoal; therefore, a course alteration is necessary to decrease the distance passing off Middle Ground Shoal and restore the intended track.