Wind, Weather, Tides and Currents


WIND SPEED (KNOTS) SEA AND SAILING CONDITIONS


0-10 11-16 17-21 22-27 LIGHT WIND


Smooth water with small waves. The boat will be easy to handle under full sail.


MEDIUM WIND


Moderate seas with some white caps. If the boat feels overpowered, consider reefing one of the sails for a more comfortable ride.


HEAVY WIND


Lengthening waves with many white caps and some spray. Boat will become more difficult to manage and you should seriously consider reefing.


VERY HEAVY WIND


Large waves, many white caps and spray. Boat will need at least one reef in the mainsail and a smaller jib. These conditions require considerable sailing experience. Listen to radio weather reports for small craft advisories.


28-47 SEVERE WIND


Gale conditions. High waves with white caps and foaming waves. This is a good time to stay ashore!


LIFTS AND HEADERS


In the same way that the speed of the wind is never constant, the direction that the wind is coming from is also constantly changing or shifting. Wind shifts range from almost unnotice- able to major swings in direction. Wind shifts will play a major role in how you sail since they will affect the course that you are able to sail.


A lift is when the wind’s direction shifts from the bow toward the stern. A header is a wind shift toward the bow. Lifts or headers will require an adjustment to the course you are sail- ing, or an adjustment to your sail trim.


Table of Contents 9 TIP


EA header on one tack is a lift on the opposite tack.


EA wind that


consistently shifts in a clockwise direction is said to be a veering or clocking wind.


EA wind that


consistently shifts in a counterclockwise direction is said to be backing.


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