We need to keep this thread around until this is either proven true or debunked. I Wanna Believe!!!!!
Sorry for non-sarcastic reply, but isn't it totally and completely possible that when a satellite images a moving object that the scan process barely misses the boat itself but then catches the wake? If you've ever used an i-phone for a panorama with idiots/pets involved, you know what I'm talking about. And here's a good example from google street view:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7HHLYbE-Z2w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>