Wind Direction Point

[Eric]

When the forcast is calling for: SW wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 1 to 2 ft.I am confused. So the wind is blowing from the SW to NE. Thus we can sail?Just need a little clarification

 

[Ed Schenck]

Yes. . .maybe.

Are you asking what the forecast means? Or are you experiencing something different from the forecast?A wind that is SW at 10-15 is definite cause to go sailing on Lake Erie. That means it is coming from shore, from Southwest to Northeast as you point out. Since it is coming from shore the water will be flat. If it actually reaches 15 knots then there will be little whitecaps but the water will still be almost smooth, ideal sailing conditions.But what generally happens in the summer is the forecast seems wrong. This happens around noon to 13:00 when the land heats up. Now with warm land and cool water the winds turn to onshore and become very light. If you are within a mile or two of shore while this transition occurs then you may as well go swimming because you can't sail. By 14:00 to 15:00 there is a nice onshore breeze and you can raise the main. If you check the weather bouy(Related Link) when you get home you will see that the winds were SW all day!! Because it is several miles offshore.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Wind direction

When the direction of the wind is quoted, the direction of the wind is FROM the quoted diection.Speed is either in knots or mph.Wave height I always interpreted as the difference between the peak and the valley. I'm not certain this is the correct interpretation.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Not sure what the question is...

but yes, SW wind means wind coming from the southwest. You can sail in any direction except southwest. Depending on how close your boat can point (sail close to the wind), you should be able to sail within 45 degrees of southwest. If your destination lies directly to the southwest, sail due south for a while, then tack and sail due west for awhile, etc. the link below explains it better.