Why anemometers

[Joe]

That's understandable - I have no contention. I'm trying to learn, so it would be stupid of me to be contentious. While I was reading the rest of your post, I was thinking to myself, "I have no wind instruments on my boat, yet at any given moment, I can instantly say where the true wind is coming from. Isn't that an absolutely basic thing for sailors?" Then I read this:



The truth is, I've never considered using the compass for that purpose. So I thinks to meself, "I've been sailing on a lake for the past few years, and I can always see land on all sides of me. In fact, I see the same land all the time, so I'm familiar with all the land features from all different angles. That must certainly help me to understand how the changes in wind direction affect by boat. Maybe if I got out where I can see only water an sky more often, then I'd start understanding the utility of wind instruments as Joe and the other fine sailboatowner guys are describing."

Does that sound right?

There's always something to learn. A compass has many uses, for instance. Ever wonder what those extra lines on the globe are for? Discovering new stuff and putting it to use can enhance your sailing experience. Having fun is what it's all about.

 

[jwing]

...Ever wonder what those extra lines on the globe are for?...

I haven't looked at a globe since the 1970's. What lines are you talking about and why are they there? Can I see them somewhere online? Google Earth?

 

[Joe]

The are three lines... the center sight line.. and one on either side at 45 deg called "lubber lines" Here's something for you to read... http://www.optistuff.com/info/faq/instructions/Optinews Reading a compass 5.pdf

 

[JamesG161]

nd one on either side at 45 deg called "lubber lines"

Mine doesn't have those "lubber lines", but the Admiral is looking for a Marker pen as I post this.
Jim...

 

[kappykaplan]

On the boat's magnetic compass are "lubbers lines". There's one that corresponds to the bow. The other ones let you sit to windward or leeward and steer the corse without being directly behind the compass. You just need to be

 

[jwing]

Oh. the globe on the compass. Thanks for the link, Joe; I'll read that tonight.

 

[FourPoints]

I'll tell her something like, keep that needle on 60 degrees and we'll be fine. I set the sails and we go. No muss, no fuss. Sue doesn't have to crane her neck looking at the top of the mast.

If you teach her to sail off the Jib tell tales, and you trim the jib correctly for her, she won't ever have to look at the Windex OR the instruments ;-)