If you’re like me, you’re always looking for browsing tips that make browsing easier and less effortful. When you first learn to sail, it can be difficult to “see the wind.” You can feel the wind on your cheek or on the back of your neck. But how can you see it? Take a look at these three simple, non-electronic type wind gauges that are available to boaters:
Types of apparent wind indicators
Luff Telltales Candle
Your genoa or mainsail may have indicators (small strips of string or tape) attached to the luff (in the case of a headsail) or leech (in the case of a mainsail). These gauges show the apparent wind flow through the sail. But candlestick indicators can be difficult to see. You have to crouch down, crane your neck to see the luff of your Genoa. And when you’re sailing small or solo, that can be a lot of work. As well as the fact that luff indicators only show the apparent flow of wind through a sail.
butt fly
If you have a wind “fly” on top of the mast, this miniature vane shows how the wind flows through the boat. It is almost the perfect apparent wind indicator because it is not obstructed or blocked by another sail, mast, rig, or blocked by nearby land. But top flies can be hard to see at the top of your mast.
Flags of the Shroud
Shroud indicators are an easier alternative to the mast fly and still give you a great picture of how the apparent wind is flowing through your boat. They are easier to use than luff indicators for small crewed sailors because there is no need to bend down and strain to see the luff of your genoa or headsail. Best of all, they’re cheap, easy to make, and super simple to use. Follow these three easy steps to make and mount your protection indicators in just a few minutes:
1. Find the right material for Shroud Telltales
Go to your local fabric and sewing store. Find the aisle that sells yarn. Buy a roll of angora wool. Dark colors are good for daytime browsing, while brighter colors stand out better at night. Angora wool is the best indicator because it is light and shows direction even on those super light morning zephyrs.
2. Make and attach your Shroud markers
Cut two 6″ to 9″ strips of yarn. Attach the string to the top deck on each side, as high up on the deck as possible. You want the thread to be in the open so it doesn’t get blocked by the cockpit roof, Bimini top, or spray dodger.
3. Match your pointer to the nav point
Use a “surf and study” method to learn to read the Shroud indicator. Sail at each point of sail, secure the boat and watch the gauge. See how it points. After a few times of doing this, you will be able to recognize what the indicator should look like when hitting, reaching, or running.
How to use your Shroud markers
Focus on three specific points on the sail: upwind (upwind), reach across, and going. At each sail tip, note the angle that your shroud indicators make. This requires a bit of practice and patience.
To paddle, find that “razor edge” between luffing and sailing. Look at the gauge on the shroud on the windward side. Note how it makes a slight angle to the bow. Stay on course and focus on that angle. Step down a bit and watch the windward shroud indicator change angle. Head back at a pace (upwind heading). Once again, keep in mind the revealing angle of the cover. Repeat this several times until this revealing cover angle becomes second nature to you.
Follow this same sequence with a beam scope and running course. As you can see, the shroud indicators will force you to find the sail tip first and then help you hold onto that sail tip. This will make you less dependent on the luff indicators and require less effort because they will always be visible while steering from your helm or wheel.
Use these three quick and easy steps on your journey to learn to sail better than ever. You will increase your speed, power and performance at any point of navigation, anywhere in the world you choose to sail!