The article highlights the study of the influence of wind parameters and operating modes of the propulsion plant on the quality indicators of motion control of the vessel with a paddle type propulsion and steering system. The dynamics of the vessel motion is considered on the basis of a mathematical model of a paddle vessel. Wind action has a significant impact on the dynamic characteristics of the vessel due to its design features: flat bottom, shallow draft, large windage. The effect of apparent and true wind with both constant and variable wind parameters and operating modes of the propulsion plant is analyzed. Conclusions are drawn about the limits of the vessel controllability for various parameters of motion and wind action. The operability area of the vessel control system is constructed depending on the direction and speed of the wind. It is noted that a change in the speed of the vessel leads to a change in the parameters of the apparent wind, which in turn affects the dynamics of the vessel. To compensate for the effect of wind changes there is proposed an algorithm for changing the speed of the vessel while keeping a given optimal trajectory under wind impact. The algorithm is designed subject to the control of the ratio of the rotational speed of the propeller wheels, without taking into account the impact of the thruster. A computer simulation of the ship’s movement was performed with a changing speed of movement and different parameters of the wind effect, taking into account the proposed algorithm. The proposed control algorithm makes it possible to compensate for the effect of apparent wind in transient operating modes of the propulsion plant, to ensure movement along a given trajectory and to improve the accuracy of ship control.