Lubber Lines

[Bruce Grant]

Ok, I've searched the forums to answer a question that was posed to me the other day while out sailing with some friends.What was asked was what were the three lubber lines in the compass for?I answered that the one on the centerline was used to show the heading of the boat.I then explained that I use the other two to determine the 45 degree no sail area when the boat is headed dead into the wind.That is what I use them for, is this the real use, if not, what is?Are there any other uses for these two lubbers?Thanks in advance.BruceNeon Moon

 

[John K Kudera]

Steering

I often use them to steer by when sitting on either side of the pedistal.

 

[Tom Wootton]

I always thought...

...the side lines were for use when the boat is heeling: since the card (the floating part) stays level, the line on the cover that's vertical to the boat doesn't line up properly when the boat is heeled over.

 

[Rob R.]

That was my assumption...

Good question Grant. I saw the lines and figured the same as you, a no-sail zone. Of course, this only helps if you reference the lines as the boat goes directly into the wind.

 

[Wanderer138]

No sail zone is only half the answer

Forty-five degrees is about as close to the wind as the average boat will sail. Lubber lines are used when sailing close-hauled to see if you are on the closest course to your destination, without having to add or subtract the 45 degrees every five minutes, or recalculate your required heading every time you tack. The main line on the compass reads your current (close-hauled) heading and the leeward lubber line will read the bearing to your destination, regardless of whether you are on port or starboard tack.Lubber lines also help you to see windshifts when racing. If you are sailing close-hauled with good trim and you notice that your bearing to the windward mark starts to drift outside the lubber line (angle becoming greater than 45 degrees) you are being headed, and should consider tacking.PeterH23 "Raven"