The undoubtedly best way to find out where exactly your boat is aiming is to sight through the mast and forestay. When in doubt, lean in and take a look.
Aiming at a target and sailing the fastest way to reach it can be difficult, but it is easy to do if your target is within range of vision and there is a fixed point on the horizon beyond the target.
Sometimes when current and waves are pushing sideways, you might have to sail a course, higher or lower than simply aiming at the target. This is when lining up your target with a fixed point beyond becomes invaluable. If an object beyond the target, or the Horizon beyond the target isn't moving, your course steered will take you to the target, for sure!
Sailing Miami and on Biscayne Bay provides great opportunities to find fixed objects to practice with.