It's been said that some people won't go sailing if the wind is blowing more than 15 knots. Others won't go sailing if the wind isn't blowing at least 15 knots. So what's perfect for you and your crew? On a daysail do you prefer a feisty sail in fairly high winds, or a relaxed sail in more moderate winds? When you are cruising and need to get from Point A to Point B, do you wait for a day with good winds so you can sail, or wait for a day with easy winds that may have you motorsailing? Obviously more true wind is better when you are sailing off the wind than upwind, so we'll frame our question based on apparent wind speeds--how many knots apparent is just right for you? Share your thoughts here then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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12-25
I find that in my Daysailer II, less than 12 knots is boring and over 20 knots is working to hard. Exciting, but exhausting. I do have the option of reefing above this, but have not had opportunity to use that option yet. I would go out anyway, if the wind was less than 12 as there is a certain challenge and relazation to moving slowly, but still trying to move. I would definately consider out on another day if the wind is over 25 knots. If I was already sailing however, I would not consider getting off the water if the wind was still under 30. Last weekend we retrieved the boat onto its trailer in a 35 knot breeze. It was definately a three person job.
I find that in my Daysailer II, less than 12 knots is boring and over 20 knots is working to hard. Exciting, but exhausting. I do have the option of reefing above this, but have not had opportunity to use that option yet. I would go out anyway, if the wind was less than 12 as there is a certain challenge and relazation to moving slowly, but still trying to move. I would definately consider out on another day if the wind is over 25 knots. If I was already sailing however, I would not consider getting off the water if the wind was still under 30. Last weekend we retrieved the boat onto its trailer in a 35 knot breeze. It was definately a three person job.
perfect wind
All wind is perfect for sailing, just that some is more perfect than others. If it is 3 to 20 knots I love my boat. If it is 20 to 50 knots I'd rather fly on my windsurfer. If it's over 50, I'll surf the weather channel and batten the hatches. Good luck to everyone with Ivan.
All wind is perfect for sailing, just that some is more perfect than others. If it is 3 to 20 knots I love my boat. If it is 20 to 50 knots I'd rather fly on my windsurfer. If it's over 50, I'll surf the weather channel and batten the hatches. Good luck to everyone with Ivan.
All about balance
You can be overcanvassed in 15 knots (true) of wind, and undercanvassed in 25 (true). The quantity of wind isn't important, its the relationship between the wind and the amount of sail you have up. Unless, of course, you're one of those captains who is too macho to reef.
You can be overcanvassed in 15 knots (true) of wind, and undercanvassed in 25 (true). The quantity of wind isn't important, its the relationship between the wind and the amount of sail you have up. Unless, of course, you're one of those captains who is too macho to reef.
Depends on the crew
If my crew is up for it, I like to sail in 12-20 knots. I'm not one for burying the rail, as my boat (Oday23) sails best on her feet. Ten to fifteen degrees of heel and proper sail trim will give me hull speed. More than 15 knots of wind can be fun, but I will usually reef the sail, especially if I am alone. If the wind is over 20, I usually take a pass. The Admiral and powder monkeys prefer a more sedate cruise. If there is more than 12 knots of wind, I will reef the sail for them to keep the heeling to a minimum.
If my crew is up for it, I like to sail in 12-20 knots. I'm not one for burying the rail, as my boat (Oday23) sails best on her feet. Ten to fifteen degrees of heel and proper sail trim will give me hull speed. More than 15 knots of wind can be fun, but I will usually reef the sail, especially if I am alone. If the wind is over 20, I usually take a pass. The Admiral and powder monkeys prefer a more sedate cruise. If there is more than 12 knots of wind, I will reef the sail for them to keep the heeling to a minimum.
All winds
If we have to ask the question should we go out, we normally shouldn't. That being said however, if we get caught then reef and play it safe. Whether in high or low wind, safety is always front and center, it's just the excitement level which goes up or down.
If we have to ask the question should we go out, we normally shouldn't. That being said however, if we get caught then reef and play it safe. Whether in high or low wind, safety is always front and center, it's just the excitement level which goes up or down.
12 - 18 knots
As long as the wind is under 20 knots I will always go out. I like 12 - 18 knots for seeing what my boat (1997 Catalina 28 mk II) will do. I have been in higer winds, but only if caught out or returning from a trip. However, 35 knots or greater would probably keep me in the slip or where ever I was anchored.
As long as the wind is under 20 knots I will always go out. I like 12 - 18 knots for seeing what my boat (1997 Catalina 28 mk II) will do. I have been in higer winds, but only if caught out or returning from a trip. However, 35 knots or greater would probably keep me in the slip or where ever I was anchored.
Our sloop loves a good breeze!
With 14-20 knots somewhere on the beam, our Beneteau 461 approaches half the apparent wind speeds. It's just pure pleasure.
With 14-20 knots somewhere on the beam, our Beneteau 461 approaches half the apparent wind speeds. It's just pure pleasure.
My Perfect Wind
My perfect wind speed had changed recently and it is all due to the UK Sails "Tri-Radial" Flasher I purchased. The combination of that and the Martec folding prop I put on the C30 this year have made the boat a joy to sail even below 5 knots of wind. The desired range is now 5-20 knots, reefed at the high end and with the Flasher at the low end. http://www.uksailmakers.com/sails/triflasher.html
My perfect wind speed had changed recently and it is all due to the UK Sails "Tri-Radial" Flasher I purchased. The combination of that and the Martec folding prop I put on the C30 this year have made the boat a joy to sail even below 5 knots of wind. The desired range is now 5-20 knots, reefed at the high end and with the Flasher at the low end. http://www.uksailmakers.com/sails/triflasher.html
More the Better
My Ericson 32 loves wind; she points well, is built strong and tracks very well for a fin keel. Don't get me wrong, I love a lazy sunny day gin & tonic in hand with 10~15 knots of warm wind but I truly feel challenged and involved with my boat when the wind picks up to more than 18 knots. "Striker" performs admirably well in the Strait of Georgia with a couple reefs in her main and a mule in front in three to four foot seas with 20~25 knots at 40 degrees off her bow. Every little input counts, trim is critical and you have to pay attention...now thats sailing!
My Ericson 32 loves wind; she points well, is built strong and tracks very well for a fin keel. Don't get me wrong, I love a lazy sunny day gin & tonic in hand with 10~15 knots of warm wind but I truly feel challenged and involved with my boat when the wind picks up to more than 18 knots. "Striker" performs admirably well in the Strait of Georgia with a couple reefs in her main and a mule in front in three to four foot seas with 20~25 knots at 40 degrees off her bow. Every little input counts, trim is critical and you have to pay attention...now thats sailing!
14 knots apparent upwind
Nice to fly a 150 genny and approach 6 knots on close reach, with 14 knots apparent wind! Oday 26.
Nice to fly a 150 genny and approach 6 knots on close reach, with 14 knots apparent wind! Oday 26.
- Jan 22, 2008
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The maximum without reefing
The maximum wind without reefing for my Catalina 30 is 15 knots. That's perfect because it's fast enough to be fun, slow enough that it doesn't frighten any landlubber passengers.
The maximum wind without reefing for my Catalina 30 is 15 knots. That's perfect because it's fast enough to be fun, slow enough that it doesn't frighten any landlubber passengers.
Steady as she goes....
I think my boat sails best in winds of 11 - 16kts. Many times I have first timers aboard and they aren't partial to much heeling, at those wind speeds, I don't have to worry about it.
I think my boat sails best in winds of 11 - 16kts. Many times I have first timers aboard and they aren't partial to much heeling, at those wind speeds, I don't have to worry about it.
flat sailing
Sometime I wish I could put a rail in the water BUT I sailing a Gemini catamaran! So at 20 knots I smile , at 25 knots I laugh , and at 30 knots of wind I surf with one reef on the main and the full jib out at 8 to 14 knots..! but in anything less than 10 knots ,even with my screacher I look at monohulls with envy ..sailing is a compromise.
Sometime I wish I could put a rail in the water BUT I sailing a Gemini catamaran! So at 20 knots I smile , at 25 knots I laugh , and at 30 knots of wind I surf with one reef on the main and the full jib out at 8 to 14 knots..! but in anything less than 10 knots ,even with my screacher I look at monohulls with envy ..sailing is a compromise.
When do you reef or change sail?
What are some wind and weather clues to reefing in and changing sails before it is a nightmare in high winds and rough water. On Lake Ontario the waves get up to 8' whitecaps with short frequencies. They seem to sneak up and suddenly you are in the middle of them. The same for high winds. Are there some books available that talk about sky changes?
What are some wind and weather clues to reefing in and changing sails before it is a nightmare in high winds and rough water. On Lake Ontario the waves get up to 8' whitecaps with short frequencies. They seem to sneak up and suddenly you are in the middle of them. The same for high winds. Are there some books available that talk about sky changes?
Best wind for sailing
As to which speed wind is the best for my sailing preference? Being a newby, any wind that gets me somewhere w/out capsizing is the greatest!!! 22 Catalina.
As to which speed wind is the best for my sailing preference? Being a newby, any wind that gets me somewhere w/out capsizing is the greatest!!! 22 Catalina.
10 knots is bliss!
My O'DAY 30 comes alive in winds greater than 10 knots. At 15+, we start to reef. We live for those wonderful days!
My O'DAY 30 comes alive in winds greater than 10 knots. At 15+, we start to reef. We live for those wonderful days!
above 3/below 25 are all good
I have a beneteau 281 with furling genoa and main. 10 to 15 with all sail out is best for exciting sailing. above 15, I reef some genoa, at 20 I reef more genoa and some main. Over 25, I'll probably reef all sails and motor. 3 to 10 are great for sunning, swimming, music and beer.
I have a beneteau 281 with furling genoa and main. 10 to 15 with all sail out is best for exciting sailing. above 15, I reef some genoa, at 20 I reef more genoa and some main. Over 25, I'll probably reef all sails and motor. 3 to 10 are great for sunning, swimming, music and beer.
Broad reaching, 25
In Puget Sound, the wind is north or south - very little east or west. Therefore we are either beating or reaching. I prefer a good broad reach in 25 - 30 knots, boat speed 10-11kn. Best sail balance achieved with one reef in the main, and a full jib.
In Puget Sound, the wind is north or south - very little east or west. Therefore we are either beating or reaching. I prefer a good broad reach in 25 - 30 knots, boat speed 10-11kn. Best sail balance achieved with one reef in the main, and a full jib.
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