Not much of a sailor on the cruiser. According to TFA he saw the sub 100-200 yds ahead and ordered "all back". Should have been hard a port or starboard
If he saw the sail of the sub 100-200 yds ahead then the submerged stern of the submarine was 40-140 yds ahead. There wasn't enough time to turn.
What is research but a blind date with knowledge? -- Will Harvey