Build wind awareness by separating the direction the wind comes from from the direction your boat is travelling.
3-minute read + a quick quizSaily’s illustrated sailing world · Understand the wind
A northerly wind comes FROM the north and blows towards the south. Wind direction describes its source, not where the boat is pointing.
Remember these three things
01Name: where wind comes from
02Observe: use several clues
03Aboard: feel apparent wind
Wind is named for its origin
A northerly wind comes from the north and blows towards the south. This is different from describing a boat that is travelling north. Before discussing sail settings, identify where the wind comes from relative to the boat: ahead, across the side or behind.
Look for more than one clue
Flags stream away from the wind, while a suitable wind vane points into it. Ripples on the water and the feel of air on your face can provide other clues. Buildings, trees, sails and nearby boats can disturb the airflow. Compare observations rather than trusting a single sheltered flag.
The wind aboard a moving boat
The wind you feel aboard combines the actual wind with the effect of the boat’s movement. Sailors call this apparent wind. It can differ from the wind measured at a fixed location. You do not need to calculate vectors for your first lesson: notice how the sensation changes as the boat turns or speeds up, and ask your instructor to explain.
Put it into context
The forecast says “easterly”. Does that mean the wind is blowing towards the east?
Think it through, then reveal the explanation.
Show the explanation
No: it comes from the east. On the water, compare that broad forecast with local observations; nearby land and your boat’s movement can affect what you feel.
Word to know: Apparent wind
The wind experienced aboard a moving boat, combining actual wind with the effect of the boat’s movement.
A quick check
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