wind direction indicator for sailboat

Wind and Weather Tools

The best sailboat wind direction indicators, wind speed meters & anemometers.

If you’re a sailing enthusiast you probably are no stranger to needing accurate wind speed and direction information. There are a slew of wind meters available today for just about every need: from handheld anemometers (wind speed meters), to sailboat mounted wind direction indicators and more. In this article, we’re going to do a roundup of the best wind meters for sailing, wind vanes for sailboats, the best anemometers for sailing, and more.

The best wind direction meters for sailing

WeatherHawk SM-18 SkyMate Hand-Held Wind Meter, Yellow

This floating anemometer is one of the best wind speed meters for sailing. It can measure wind speeds ranging from 0.5 miles per hour all the way up to 99MPH at user-selectable intervals of every five, ten, or 13 seconds (in addition to calculating the average wind speed and tracking peak speed for you). Plus it can also measure wind temperature and wind chill in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. One other nice feature about this sailboat anemometer is that it comes with a durable build and a bright yellow flip-shield. Naturally, it’s also water-resistant so if it falls into the water you’ll be able to easily spot it floating. Also comes with a loop for a lanyard or wrist strap if desired. A belt sheath is also available for this product.

For more handheld anemometers, see our full article: The Best Portable Anemometers & Portable Weather Meters .

Cape Cod Wind Speed Indicator for Sailboats

Cape Cod Wind & Weather instruments have been a staple of sailors since the company was founded in 1939. With an emphasis on quality American-made wind speed indicators, these gauges are built to last.

This wind speed indicator for sailing can mount on your sailboat either vertically or horizontally and it comes with a spinning cup wheel which can be mounted wherever you like (the supplied cable is 50 feet long and comes with a mounting bracket and screws). For wireless anemometers, see our related article: What is the Best Wireless Anemometer & Wireless Wind Speed Meter?

For decades Cape Cod Wind & Weather has supplied sailors with reliable real-time sailboat wind direction indicators, and this wind speed meter for sailing is no exception.

This unit measures wind speed from zero to 100 miles per hour and comes with a ten-year limited warranty. Pairs well with Cape Cod’s Wind Direction Indicator which matches with a lighted dial interface for wind direction metering.

Davis Instruments WindTrak 15 Suspension Bearing

This weather vane for sailboats mounts on your masthead through bolts or a tap and it provides an easy-to-read wind direction indicator. It’s one of the most popular sailing wind vanes on the market and this particular Davis WindTrak model is intended for medium to larger boats (the vane itself is 15 inches long; a smaller model exists for smaller boats). This model has what Davis calls a bird-proof spike to keep seagulls from trying to land on the instrument while you’re sailing. The vane itself features tabs that reflect in order to remain visible at night or in dark conditions.

Davis Instruments Spar-Fly Wind Indicator for Yachts and Dinghies

This compact sailboat wind direction indicator comes in a bright red color and has both a top and side mounting option. It measures 15 inches long, is highly visible, and weighs an astonishing 1.25oz for a highly responsive level of accuracy even in light wind conditions. The Spar Fly sailing wind vane is intended for sailing dinghies or small yachts and has great reviews.

Raymarine i60 Wind System with Masthead Instrument

The Raymarine i60 Wind System measures wind speed and direction as well as a slew of other readings with an easy-to-read digital-dial hybrid display and a masthead mounted instrument. It comes mounting gear and a 100 foot long (30 meters long) cable to connect the wind meter to the display. This is one of the best anemometers for sailing. Can measure wind speed/direction, maximum wind speed (peak), Beaufort scale, Tack and VMG. Plus it has a red backlight for dark conditions.

Frequently asked questions about windvanes for sailboats & the best anemometers for sailing

What features should I look for when shopping for a wind meter for sailing?

The best wind meters are often mounted anemometers made specifically for boating which have a display you can attach to your console. We have a few such wind speed meters for sailboats listed in this article, above.

Handheld anemometers for sailing usually float, are brightly colored, and are waterproof in case they fall into the water. They may also contain temperature gauges and loops for wrist-straps or lanyards.

No matter the type of anemometer you choose, a large easy to read at a glance display is also especially useful for sailing anemometers.

What is an anemometer?

An anemometer is simply a wind speed meter. Some anemometers have digital displays, others have dial displays. The most sophisticated anemometers can also measure a variety of other metrics like temperature, dew point, humidity, barometric pressure, and so forth. Advanced anemometers can even give a personalized weather forecast for any location (especially useful if you’re using an anemometer in a spot where there isn’t a reliable weather forecast). Anemometers for sailing are useful because they give a clear and accurate reading of wind speed and direction. For more information about what anemometers are, read our related article: What is an Anemometer and What is it Used For?

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How to Read Wind Indicators for Sailing: The Complete Guide

Sailing is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. One of the most important skills for any sailor to learn is how to read wind indicators. Wind indicators, also known as wind vanes or telltales, provide crucial information about wind direction and speed, which is essential for making tactical decisions while sailing.

Table of Contents

Understanding Wind Direction

When it comes to sailing, understanding wind direction is crucial. The direction of the wind can affect the speed and course of a sailboat. Here are some key points to keep in mind when reading wind direction:

• Wind direction is measured in degrees clockwise from true north. For example, if the wind is coming from the north, it is 0 degrees. If it is coming from the east, it is 90 degrees.
• Wind direction can be affected by local topography, such as hills or buildings. This is known as wind shear.
• Wind direction can also be affected by the sailboat’s position relative to the wind. For example, if the sailboat is sailing directly into the wind, the wind will appear to be coming from the front of the boat. This is known as the “no-go zone.”
• One way to determine wind direction is to look at the direction of the waves. Wind will cause waves to form in a certain direction, which can indicate the direction of the wind.
• Another way to determine wind direction is to use a wind indicator, such as a wind vane or wind sock. These indicators will show the direction of the wind relative to the sailboat.

Types of Wind Indicators

Wind indicators are instruments that help sailors determine the direction and strength of the wind. There are various types of wind indicators available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The Windex is a popular wind indicator that many sailors mount on the masthead of their boats. It is a simple device that consists of a vane or an arrow that points in the direction of the wind. The Windex is easy to install, lightweight, and affordable. It is also easy to read, even from a distance. However, the Windex is not very accurate in light winds, and it can be affected by the boat’s motion.

Telltales are small strips of fabric or yarn that are attached to the sail. They help sailors determine the direction and strength of the wind by showing the flow of air over the sail. When the sail is properly trimmed, the telltales should be streaming back smoothly. If they are fluttering or standing still, it means that the sail needs to be adjusted. Telltales are inexpensive, easy to install, and provide real-time feedback on sail trim. However, they can be difficult to see in low light conditions, and they can be affected by the boat’s motion.

Masthead Anemometer

A masthead anemometer is a more advanced wind indicator that measures the speed and direction of the wind at the top of the mast. It consists of a vane that points into the wind and a set of cups that spin in the wind. The speed and direction of the cups are measured by sensors, and the data is transmitted to a display unit in the cockpit. Masthead anemometers are very accurate, even in light winds, and they provide real-time feedback on wind speed and direction. However, they are expensive, difficult to install, and require regular maintenance.

Handheld Anemometer

A handheld anemometer is a portable wind indicator that measures the speed and direction of the wind at the location of the sailor. It consists of a small vane and a set of cups that spin in the wind. The speed and direction of the cups are measured by sensors, and the data is displayed on a small screen. Handheld anemometers are easy to use, affordable, and provide accurate readings. However, they require the sailor to hold the device steady, which can be difficult in rough seas, and they can be affected by the sailor’s body heat.

How to Read a Masthead Wind Indicator

A masthead wind indicator, also known as a Windex, is a device that is mounted on the masthead of a sailboat to show the direction of the wind. It is a simple and effective tool that helps sailors to adjust their sails and steer their boat in the right direction. Here are some tips on how to read a masthead wind indicator:

Observing the Vane

The vane of a masthead wind indicator is the part that moves with the wind. It is usually made of lightweight materials like plastic or aluminum, and it is designed to be sensitive to even the slightest breeze. When observing the vane, it is important to note the following:

• The direction of the vane: The vane will point in the direction that the wind is coming from. This is useful information for sailors who need to adjust their sails to take advantage of the wind.
• The angle of the vane: The angle of the vane relative to the boat’s centerline will tell you how much the boat is being pushed sideways by the wind. If the vane is pointing directly forward, the boat is sailing straight into the wind. If the vane is pointing to the side, the boat is being pushed sideways by the wind.

Interpreting the Tails

The tails of a masthead wind indicator are small pieces of fabric or plastic that are attached to the vane. They are used to show the relative strength of the wind. When interpreting the tails, it is important to note the following:

• The number of tails: Most masthead wind indicators have two or three tails. Two tails indicate light winds, while three tails indicate stronger winds.
• The position of the tails: The position of the tails relative to the vane will tell you the angle of the wind. If the tails are pointing straight back, the wind is coming from directly behind the boat. If the tails are pointing to the side, the wind is coming from the side of the boat.

By observing the vane and interpreting the tails, sailors can get a clear picture of the wind conditions and adjust their sails accordingly. With practice, reading a masthead wind indicator will become second nature, and sailors will be able to make quick adjustments to their sails without even thinking about it.

How to Read a Handheld Anemometer

When sailing, it is crucial to have an accurate reading of the wind speed and direction. Handheld anemometers are a great tool for this purpose. Here are the steps to follow to read a handheld anemometer:

Reading the Wind Speed

The wind speed is typically displayed in knots, miles per hour (mph), or meters per second (m/s). To read the wind speed on a handheld anemometer, follow these steps:

• Turn on the anemometer and wait for it to calibrate.
• Hold the anemometer up in the air, away from your body, at arm’s length.
• Point the anemometer directly into the wind.
• Read the wind speed displayed on the screen.

Determining the Wind Direction

The wind direction is typically displayed in degrees or cardinal directions (e.g., N, NE, E, etc.). To determine the wind direction on a handheld anemometer, follow these steps:

• Look at the display and note the wind direction.

Some handheld anemometers also have a wind vane or arrow that points in the direction of the wind. This can be helpful for quickly determining the wind direction without having to read the display.

How to Read a Windex Wind Indicator

Interpreting the reference arms.

The Windex wind indicator consists of a vane that rotates around a vertical axis and two reference arms that extend horizontally from the vane. The reference arms are designed to provide a visual reference point for the direction of the wind relative to the heading of the boat.

To interpret the reference arms, imagine them as the arms of a clock. The arm that is pointing to the left of the boat is the 9 o’clock arm, and the arm that is pointing to the right of the boat is the 3 o’clock arm. If the wind is coming from the direction of the 9 o’clock arm, it means that the wind is coming from the port side of the boat. If the wind is coming from the direction of the 3 o’clock arm, it means that the wind is coming from the starboard side of the boat.

Reading the Wind Direction

To read the wind direction using the Windex wind indicator, you need to combine the information provided by the reference arms with your knowledge of the boat’s heading.

If the boat is heading directly into the wind, the vane of the Windex wind indicator will be pointing straight up, and the reference arms will be horizontal. In this position, the 9 o’clock arm will be pointing to the port side of the boat, and the 3 o’clock arm will be pointing to the starboard side of the boat.

If the boat is on a port tack, the wind will be coming from the starboard side of the boat. In this case, the vane of the Windex wind indicator will be pointing to the port side of the boat, and the 9 o’clock arm will be pointing down towards the water. The 3 o’clock arm will be pointing up towards the sky.

If the boat is on a starboard tack, the wind will be coming from the port side of the boat. In this case, the vane of the Windex wind indicator will be pointing to the starboard side of the boat, and the 3 o’clock arm will be pointing down towards the water. The 9 o’clock arm will be pointing up towards the sky.

By combining the information provided by the reference arms and your knowledge of the boat’s heading, you can accurately read the wind direction using the Windex wind indicator.

Using Wind Indicators for Sailing Strategies

Understanding how to read wind indicators is crucial for any sailor who wants to improve their performance on the water. In this section, we will explore how to use wind indicators to optimize sail trim and choose the best course.

Optimizing Sail Trim

Sail trim is the art of adjusting the sails to achieve the most efficient and effective use of the wind. Wind indicators provide valuable information about the direction and strength of the wind, which can help sailors to optimize their sail trim. Here are some tips for using wind indicators to optimize sail trim:

• Keep a close eye on your wind indicator to detect changes in wind direction or strength.
• Adjust your sails accordingly to maintain the optimal sail shape and angle to the wind.
• Use the telltales on your sails to help you determine whether your sail trim is correct.
• Experiment with different sail trim settings to find the one that works best for the current wind conditions.

Choosing the Best Course

Choosing the best course is essential for reaching your destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. Wind indicators can help you to choose the best course by providing information about wind direction and strength. Here are some tips for using wind indicators to choose the best course:

• Look for areas of the water where the wind is stronger or more consistent.
• Use your wind indicator to determine the optimal angle to the wind for your boat.
• Adjust your course accordingly to take advantage of the wind direction and strength.
• Keep an eye on your wind indicator to detect any changes in wind direction or strength that may require you to adjust your course.

Maintaining Your Wind Indicators

Maintaining your wind indicators is crucial to ensure accurate readings and reliable performance. Here are some tips to keep your wind indicators in top shape:

1. Regular cleaning

Wind indicators can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, which can affect their accuracy. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent can help remove any buildup and keep the indicators functioning properly.

2. Lubrication

Wind indicators often have moving parts that require lubrication to operate smoothly. Applying a small amount of silicone or Teflon lubricant to the moving parts can help reduce friction and prolong the life of the indicators.

3. Check for damage

Regularly inspect your wind indicators for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or bent parts. Any damage can affect the accuracy of the readings and compromise the safety of your sailboat. If you notice any damage, replace the indicators immediately.

4. Calibration

Wind indicators can drift out of calibration over time, especially if they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Regularly calibrating your indicators can help ensure accurate readings and prevent any mishaps on the water.

Proper storage is essential to keep your wind indicators in good condition. When not in use, store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This will help prevent any damage or deterioration.

In conclusion, reading wind indicators is a crucial skill for any sailor, and with the right tools and techniques, it can be mastered. The key is to understand the different types of wind indicators available and how to interpret the data they provide.

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Top-notch Wind Indicators

In this torture test, we examine improvements over those silly bits of yarn (which work quite well, incidentally)..

That fragile plastic wind vane at the masthead looks like a child’s toy to a lubber. Its a nautical curiosity perched at the top of a yacht that is also equipped with a comprehensive electronics suite. While we can certainly sail without wind indicators and telltales, judging the strength and direction of the wind by its effect on the sails and the feel on our neck, those little bits of plastic and yarn are darn handy when trimming sail, or balancing the helm.

Information from fixed wind indicators is supplemented by telltales attached to the surface of the sails. These provide vital information about flow around the sails within the boundary layer. In this report, well look solely at the wind vanes.

WHAT WE TESTED

For this comparison, we looked at a variety of masthead and spar-mounted vanes from Blacksmith, Davis and Schaefer, two of the major players in this field. We also included a do-it-yourself (DIY) variation that we used for a decade. A few of these were new to us, but most we’ve used for decades, giving us a pretty good feel for their long-term durability and function.

HOW WE TESTED

First, we mounted all of the vanes on boards, three to four at a time, and observed responsiveness, sensitivity, and accuracy, both level and heeled at 30 degrees. Although there is no absolute reference for wind speed and direction, it was obvious when a single vane was consistently different from the group.

We then mounted vanes on the roof of our car and took them for a drive-first around the neighborhood at moderate speeds, and then for six hours at 50-65 miles per hour, simulating storm conditions.

Finally, we then put them all to work on our test boat. This was a fairly rigorous test that took place over several days (see adjacent article Wind Sensors Face-Off at Sea). Larger vanes were mounted in fishing rod holders along the transom. Although wind turbulence makes the aft vanes useless for windward courses, these worked when reaching, and the location was fine for durability testing and general observation.

OBSERVATIONS

A masthead mounting offers the cleanest air and greatest safety from damage (other than birds). Every sailboat should have one. The larger sizes make sense for larger boats, where visibility from a distance matters, but the smaller sizes seem quite suitable for masts less than 35 feet. Although a masthead indicator often has the cleanest air, it requires staring straight up, can spin crazily in rolly conditions in light air, and can be blocked from view by a Bimini top or sail (if the helm is to one side).

Although a masthead indicator is the norm, a deck-level indicator also offers advantages. Non-sailing crew appreciates them when asked to turn the boat into or away from the wind while hoisting or dousing the sail, for anchoring, or, in reality, any turn at the wheel when a steady course relative to the wind is required. Off the wind, a deck-level indicator is often more steady in rough conditions, less affected by pitching. It also remains in your line-of-sight, as you steer through either lumpy seas at high speed, or crab pots in failing light. The challenge is finding a location where it won’t be destroyed by sheets or sails, or disturbed by airflow.

Single-sail dinghies, such as Lasers or Optimus, can mount them on the mast, just below the sail. Two of the devices that we tested, the Davis Black Max and Schaefer Mini Hawk MK II come with elastic clamps that fit securely around the 1.5-inch aluminum spar.

These devices are quite rugged. During long-term testing, we inadvertently dropped snubber lines and dock lines on all of them, often deflecting them sharply downwards. However, the mounting strap stretched, and they popped right back up, undamaged. One vane was destroyed with a dock line, but that was no fault of the vane.

The bow is also popular on one-sail dinghies; with no headsails or sheets, there is little risk of damage. Beach cats can mount a Telocat just below the bridle. Even with a chute, the sensor is protected by the bowsprit. The straps on the Black Max and Mini Hawk fit -inch stainless railing, if the railing is wrapped with athletic or elastomeric self-bonding tape to reduce slippage (see Atomic Tape, PS December 2005). The occasional trip through a wave didn’t appear to shorten their lives.

A spinnaker complicates things-with sheets flying across the bow with every jibe, there is no sanctuary for a delicate instrument. We had a Davis Windex Sport on the starboard bow rail of our test boat for a while. It was fine with the working jib, the genoa bumped lightly a few times, rotating the mount but doing no harm. A chute, however, destroyed it on the first jibe. After a second vane was destroyed in roughly the same fashion, the solution was the DIY indicator (see adjacent article).

Wind indicators are by definition sensitive instruments, and even the best can be snapped or bent by a large bird. The Davis Windex has a bird spike that dissuades larger birds from sitting on the center support, but smaller birds still roost on the ends of the vane occasionally, spinning slowly. So far (we’ve had one installed for 20 years) they have done no harm, other than bend the indicator arms into a useless sculpture. The plastic indicator arms on the Shaefer wind indicator better resist bending. We presume a big bird could break them, but they survived the summer season test without harm-even after several birds roosted on them. Birds seem to ignore deck-level vanes.

All of the mounting brackets proved sufficiently durable and reasonably easy to fit.

Blacksmith Sport Boat Carbon

In its search for a lighter, more responsive vane, Blacksmith has used carbon fiber and aluminum to build the most responsive vane available. As a masthead fly, it is well balanced and reads the lightest zephyr true, even when heeled.

As a rail-mounted fly it has proven more durable than Windex and Hawk vanes, through we estimate it more fragile than the rugged Black Max/Telo Cat line. So far, it seems too oddly shaped for birds to perch on, and that is the primary mode of failure at the masthead. There is also a very similar Crazy Kids model for dinghies. The Blacksmith comes in both masthead and spar mount versions.

Bottom Line: Best Choice for sport boat masts.

Davis Windex

The most popular masthead wind indicator, these are the gold standard for detecting wind direction finding. Featuring perfect balance and a sapphire bearing, we’ve had these on boats for over 20 years without failure. They wear seemingly forever, the most common-and perhaps only-cause of death being a roosting osprey or eagle, and the bird spike seems to prevent that. The Windex Sport is a smaller version, perfect for smaller boats and some bow installations.

Bottom Line: Sensitivity and proven durability make the Windex our Best Choice for a masthead indicator for cruisers, and the Windex Sport for smaller boats.

We used one of these very regularly for eight years on a trailered beach catamaran, where it served very reliably, without receiving gentle treatment. Useful for estimating both windward and reaching angles. The bridle location is perfect for the high-speed antics of a beach catamaran, where the helmsmans eyes should not spend too much time peering aloft, distracted from the action and the waves. The Telo Cat is specifically designed to mount to the forestay turnbuckle of beach cats, hanging down below the bridle-the Black Max will be easier to fit to most boats.

Bottom Line: Best Choice for beach catamarans.

Sharing the same sturdy vane as the Telo Cat, the Black Max is stable, sturdy, and reliable. Secured by an adjustable elastic strap, the plastic mounting saddle can wrap around spars and poles from -inch to two inches in diameter,

Bottom line: Recommended for single-sail dinghies, gull strikers, and rail mounts.

Compared to other indicators in the group, the Spar Fly seemed to wander more in bouncy conditions and variable winds, taking longer to respond accurately to the true wind. Some will find the traditional design appealing.

Bottom line: This is a functional choice for the nostalgic sailor, but there are better vanes.

This device is little more than toy. Yarn is more durable and responsive, and less susceptible to damage from sheets and sails. The test samples all bent the first day. Additionally, the position near the dodger or cabin resulted in disturbed airflow and erratic readings.

Bottom line: Helpful on some small boats, Wind-Tels won’t be of much use to the cruising sailor.

Schaefer Hawk

Schaefers Hawk is very similar to the Windex, but with plastic indicator arms. The arms can be accurately positioned using a spacer kit and they are not bent when a bird lands on them. They seem nearly unbreakable under normal use, although we did not test for this. Using polyethylene bearings, it is both responsive and sensitive.

Bottom line: Recommended.

Mini-Hawk MKI

Sharing the same vane as the MKII, this is the smallest masthead vane of the group. It is light and very responsive, and is an excellent choice for the masthead of a sailing dinghy. We also tested it on the bow rail, simply attaching the wand with cable ties, and it did very well. If you break the vane, a replacement is $10.

The large tail made the Mini Hawk very responsive, even when wet or in light winds, reacting accurately and instantly to every shift. Although this resulted in a nervous flickering at times, it was always accurate, and its is bright and clearly visibility. The square vane was slightly more vulnerable to hooking a line, although all of the vanes (other than the DIY wand) can be destroyed by heavy contact with a sheet.

Bottom line: Great for dinghy masts and a nice fit for railings.

Mini-Hawk MKII

The spar mounting bracket for the Mini-Hawk II includes adjustability for horizontal or angled mounting on rails, which can be quite useful for bow mounting locations. The elastic mounting band is not adjustable, but it is secure on rails and spars from 1 to 2.5 inches.

Bottom line: This is the Best Choice for a railing or spar-mounted vane.

CONCLUSIONS

This was a strong group of products, and properly located, all provide excellent performance. We like the Windex 15 with the bird spike; it seems to help keep birds away from the masthead in general. The responsiveness of the Mini Hawk was impressive, and the durability of the Telo Cat and Black Max recommend them for use where some contact is possible. Our DIY wand remains a favorite where abuse is the rule.

• A Do-it-Yourself Wind Sensor

Our on-the-water testing revealed some advantages and vulnerabilities that were not apparent during controlled testing. The benefits of high-visibility colors became readily apparent.

The smaller vanes were mounted across the bow rail on our catamaran test boat for a summer, rotating location from time to time. We smashed through waves and occasionally battered them with sheets and docklines, although we avoided serious abuse for all but the unbreakable do-it-yourself vane.

• The DavisWind-Tels bent during a spinnaker gybe, but it was easy enough to straighten out so that it was still useful.
• The racey Davis Black Max faces off against the comparatively humble bit of yarn during testing.
• Dimensions varied greatly, from left: Schaefer Hawk, Mini-Hawk, and Blacksmith.
• The Blacksmith’s high visibility indicator was easy to read against a confused background.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

The last three windex vanes I have used have decayed in the sun in less than a few weeks. any slight action like removing them to step the mast on the trailer sailer results in damage . brittle bits just flake off. I am averaging $50 a year AU in wind indicators. have ordered a stainless steel one. a bit big but may be UV stable.

How is your stainless wind indicator? I am working on designing a lightweight anodised aluminium wind indicator. I am a professional yachtsman and have seen lots of stories like yours in Oz particularly with cockatoos!

The indicator I am designing will be similar profile to the windex brand but a lot lighter than the available stainless ones also with jewel bearings for light air accuracy. Would you be interested in a solution like this? Any advice is appreciated.

Happy sailing

Hi Oliver, did you ever develop this?

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Black Max™ Wind Direction Indicator - SKU 1295

• Black Max is a versatile, high performance wind direction indicator that attaches quickly to the mast or boom. The tough, high impact plastic vane is designed to withstand years of punishment and the abuse of small boat sailing. The stainless steel mounting arm and set screw, as well as a tough plastic mounting base, add to the system’s durability. Wind vane length is 8″ (20 cm). Black Max is packaged in its own unbreakable storage sleeve for safe keeping when not in use.
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Marine City 316 Stainless Steel Marine Sailboat Wind Direction Indicator 14-1/2"

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How To Read The Wind When Sailing

Understanding wind direction is a sailor's medium. If you would be a sailor, you must learn how to read or determine the wind direction during sailing. It is a rare ability in the 21st century because most sailors depend on technical gadgets to understand the direction and speed of the wind.

Winds are named for the quarter from which they usually blow such as a wind blowing from north to south is called north wind. But the direction of the wind is not always the same so as you sail, you will need to keep track of where it is coming from.

Table of contents

How to read the wind when sailing?

The most important aspects of wind sailing are reading the wind direction and wind speed. The direction of the wind is like a sailor's NorthStar. Clues to the wind are always around us. Waves are pushed along by the wind but only the small ripples ( series of small waves) on the surface which are always perpendicular to the direction of the wind helps to read it. There are many ways to determine the wind direction, many sailors use fancy electronic gadgets and some others use traditional methods.

Traditional methods

• A wet finger

The sailor himself is the best indicator. To determine the direction of the wind by using a wet finger is one of the easiest ways. Wet your finger and hold it up. The side of the finger that will dry faster and feel cold as compared to another side shows the direction of the wind.

• Wind on your face

This is another method used to determine wind direction. Keep your face towards the wind's general direction and turn slowly from one side to another, as you turn around you will feel the wind hitting your face and the wind hitting on your face head-on helps to find the rough idea of where the wind is blowing from. To make your reading more accurate, you have to rely on your ears. If the wind is blowing from the left side, the left ear will hear more wind noise from the right ear. At the point when you hear the same amount of wind noise in both the ears then this will show that you are facing towards the wind. It does not work if you are standing behind a dodger or cloth you have to be in a free area where you can feel the unobstructed wind on your face.

• Install a Yarn

Make your own wind indicators on the boat. Install a yarn to the shrouds as high as possible. The yarn will stream in the direction of the wind.

• Reading the sails

The sails use the wind and also determine in which direction the wind is blowing. When gripping too strong, the luff (the edge of a fore-and-aft sail next to the mast) will curl towards the boat. This will result in make a large area on the luff which is swelling in rather than out. If you are sheeted all the way means that you are aiming as far upwind as possible.

Technical methods

• Electronic Masthead Wind Sensors

These are simply a wind vane attached or linked to a potentiometer. When the wind vane moves towards the wind, its position automatically turns into an electrical signal which displays on the gauge in the cockpit. These gauges are so simple like a needle pointing towards the wind direction over an illustration of the vessel or a digital screen that calculates true wind and obvious wind direction. These instruments will displace all the guesswork from the sailing and shows from where the wind is exactly coming from in relation to the boat.

This device is an alternative to an electrical instrument. This is a highly sensitive device that works on the same principle as the wind point but without any complexity of electronics. Many boats use both the Windex and the wind points. One is placed on the front of the mast and another is back on the mast. This provides a great mechanical backup in case the electronic system failed. The boxes and the wind vane of the Windex are painted with high visibility paint. This will help in determining where the wind is exactly coming from.

No doubt, both of the instruments work wonderfully, but as you all know everything has its own hidden drawbacks. The electronic sensors may be exposed to elements and will eventually be failed. This will make the combination of Windex and wind point more popular. The drawback of Windex is that you have to look continuously towards the masthead to read it, this will hurt your neck. So, you will need a hole or window cut to see the masthead from the helm.

There is one other method through which we can read the wind which is " The Weather Chart"

This is also known as the synoptic chart or surface pressure chart. We can read these charts before going out to sailing and this is also a great way to predict the wind speed and the direction of the wind. On the weather charts, there are circular lines called Isobar. Their joining point signifies the area of the same biometric pressure. The wind is always moving from high-pressure to low-pressure regions. When the isobars are close together the wind in these areas is stronger and when they are far apart than the wind in these areas is calmer. when you predict the wind direction from the weather chart note that in high-pressure areas the wind will move in a clockwise direction and in low-pressure areas the wind will move in an anti-clockwise direction.

If you are stuck in a storm and the masthead sensors are blown off. No one is there to tell you where the wind is blowing from. So, in that case, you have to move towards traditional methods to figure out the wind direction.

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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• Windex Sailboat Wind Direction Indicators

winDex® SailBoat Wind Direction Indicators

"The WINDEX® Wind Direction Indicator is an indispensable tool for sailors of all levels since it allows instant and accurate wind information at all points of sail"

The WINDEX® is a Swedish invention from 1964 that is currently sold in more than 40 countries across five continents. In total more than 1,500,000 WINDEX Wind Direction Indicators have been sold over the last 45 years.

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