Understanding the direction of the wind while sailing is essential and can sometimes be a bit tricky. The wind can come in gusts, change rapidly, and be hit by objects such as other boats or buildings. If you have an automatic indicator on your boat you are in luck; the indicator will do all the hard work of determining true and apparent wind speed and direction. However, if you don’t have an automated system, there are still great ways to identify true and apparent wind directions.
True Wind Direction Indicators
1. Flags and windsocks: Flags and windsocks are an excellent way to determine where the actual wind is coming from. This does not include flags or windsocks on the boat or other boats that may be in motion. It has to be a stationary object to give an accurate true direction, otherwise you’ll get the apparent direction instead.
2. Smoke Stacks: Smoke coming from a chimney will help give an indication of the true direction. The smoke will move away from the true direction. Vapor can also give an indication of direction, but it tends to dissipate quickly, making it difficult to follow.
3. Water surface: The surface of the water can indicate the true direction of the wind. The water will create waves that are horizontal to the true direction.
4. Anchored or Moored Vessels: When a ship is anchored or moored, it will rock away from the wind and its bow will eventually face it. It is important to note that the current can affect the boat’s position in the water, so this method can only provide an approximation of the actual direction.
5. Trees and plants: If the wind is strong enough to move a tree, it can be used to determine the actual wind direction. In the fall, leaves falling to the ground or pollen moving through the air can also be used to understand changing patterns in the area.
Apparent wind direction indicators
1. Top Wind Indicator: One of the best ways to determine the apparent wind direction on your boat is to use a masthead indicator. The masthead indicator is affected by the direction of the boat as it moves through the water, as well as the true wind. It will give you an accurate account of how the wind is acting on your boat at any given time. You can also check other boats’ masthead indicators to determine how the wind is affecting them and what’s ahead.
2. Bourgeois club: Another method to determine the apparent wind is to look at club burges. Like the top indicator, it will provide an accurate assessment of the current apparent direction.
3. Front: The feeling of the wind on your face while you are in the boat will give you a rough estimate of the apparent direction. Trust your instincts and they will help you steer the ship.
4. Testing the Wind: If you don’t have a masthead indicator, you can always test the wind by turning the boat into the wind until the sails begin to luff. This will give you a rough indication of the apparent direction based on the edge of the ‘no-go’ area.
5. Rope: Another method of determining apparent direction is to tie a rope to a shroud. The rope will pull away from the apparent wind and can be used as a continuous visual indicator while sailing. This method is a favorite with many boaters, as you don’t have to strain to look at the mast-top indicator. Also, many ropes can be tied at various places on the shrouds to see how the wind impacts different parts of the ship.