船員たちは天候のなすがままであった。

topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis

weather

indicates possessive; nominalizes verbs and adjectives; substitutes for "ga" in subordinate phrases; (at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusion; (at sentence-end) indicates emotional emphasis; (at sentence-end, rising tone) indicates question

to build up; to establish; to form; to become (a state); to accomplish; to achieve; to succeed in; to change into; to do; to perform; to intend to; to attempt; to try

common cattail (Typha latifolia); common bulrush; common reed mace

until (a time); till; to; up to; to (a place); as far as; to (an extent); up to; so far as; even; only; merely

to be (usu. of inanimate objects); to exist; to live; to have; to be located; to be equipped with; to happen; to come about