Understanding wind direction while sailing is essential and can sometimes be a little tricky. Wind can come in bursts, change quickly, and be impacted by objects such other boats or buildings. If you have an automatic indicator on your boat then you’re 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 automatic system then 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 true wind is coming from. This does not include a flags or windsock on the boat or other boats that may be moving. 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 smoke stack will help to give an indication of the true direction. Smoke will fly away from the true direction. Steam can also give an indication of the direction, but tends to dissipate quickly making it hard to follow.

3. Water Surface:

The surface of the water can indicate the true direction of the wind. Water will create wavelets that are horizontal to the true direction.

4. Boats Anchored or Moored: When a boat is anchored or moored, it will sway away from the wind and its bow will eventually face into it. It’s important to keep in mind that the current may affect how the boat is positioned in the water, so this method may only provide an approximation of the true direction.

5. Trees and Plants: If the wind is strong enough to move a tree then it can be used to determine the direction of the true wind. In the fall, leaves falling to the ground or pollen moving through the air can also be used to understand the changing patterns in the area.

Apparent Wind Direction Indicators

1. Masthead 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 impacted 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 point in time. You can also check out the masthead indicators of other boats to determine how the wind is affecting them and what may be coming your way.

2. Club Burgee:

Another method to determine the apparent wind is to look at club burgees. Like the masthead indicator, it will provide an accurate assessment of the current apparent direction.

3. Face:

The feeling of the wind on your face while you’re on the boat will provide a rough estimate of the apparent direction. Trust your instincts and they will help you guide the boat.

4. Testing the Wind:

If a masthead indicator isn’t available, 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’ zone.

5. String:

Another method of determining the apparent direction is attaching a string to a shroud. The string will fly away from the apparent wind and can be used as a continual visual indicator while you are sailing. This method is a favorite among many sailors since you don’t have to strain to look up at the masthead indicator. In addition, many strings can be tied to several places on the shrouds to see how the wind is impacting different parts of the boat.

Author Bio: If you’d like to learn more about apparent and true wind or how to determine wind speed, check out the Basic Sailing section of Skilled Sailor at http://www.skilledsailor.com.

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Keywords: sailing, wind direction, wind, wind indicator, apparent wind, true wind, sailboat, sail, skill