Overview
Wind direction defines where a sailboat can go. You cannot sail directly into the wind (the no-go zone), but you can sail at angles to it on close-hauled, reach, and run courses. Apparent wind changes with boat speed and heading and determines correct trim.
Objectives
- Identify true wind direction and the no-go zone.
- Recognize points of sail and choose an appropriate course.
- Relate boat speed to changes in apparent wind.
Key Concepts
- No-go zone: roughly ±35° from the wind where sails luff.
- Points of sail: close-hauled, reach, run.
- Apparent wind: moves forward as you accelerate.
Drills
- Head up until sails luff; note the boundary.
- Sail beam reach; observe acceleration and stable trim.
- Trim as apparent wind moves forward with speed.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to sail into the wind and stalling.
- Not adjusting trim as apparent wind shifts.
- Confusing true and apparent wind.