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Since the sailboat can not sail directly toward the wind, and because all our maneuvers should be thought of in relation to the wind direction, our first step is to determine the exact direction the wind is coming from.
boat drawing   Wind direction can be determined in many ways; flags, smoke, ripples on the water. But the most common method is by watching your TELLTALES (pieces of yarn or other light material fastened to the wire stays).
 
The exact angle of the wind to your boat is something you must be aware of at all times if you are to intelligently and safely maneuver your boat. telltale photo

Every few moments you should be rechecking the relative angle of the wind to your boat. Although you may be using your telltales most of the time, it is also important to watch the water upwind so you will have advanced warning of a change in the wind direction or strength. An added puff of wind will darken the surface of the water, and you will be able to watch the progress of the puff toward your boat. In this way you can be ready to take appropriate action.

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  • Diagrams and Text courtesy of Sailing and the Tech Dinghy
  • Permission granted by: Harold "Hatch" Brown, MIT.
  • Black and white clipart were provided by arttoday.com
  • Created by: Nondini Naqui '02
  • Maintained by: Bonnie Dix
  • Date Created: 7/27/00
  • Last Modified: 8/9/00