As a rule, ships of most configurations, when drifting in calm water with negligible current, will lie __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — beam to the wind

Most merchant vessels possess a superstructure located amidships or aft, creating a larger windage area behind the pivot point. In calm water, the wind acts on this area, pushing the stern downwind until the vessel settles beam to the wind, achieving a state of equilibrium relative to the wind's force.