It's Getting Windy Out There

Let us know what you think

Article by Andrew Blodgett

The Washington Post reported this April that the US had the windiest March in nearly fifty years. My home state of Michigan had the windiest March in recorded history. This tracks my anecdotal feelings that it has become windier in recent years.

Sailors have a relatively narrow band of desired wind speed, depending on our craft and our skill or comfort level. And for most of us with non-ballasted dinghies, gusty windy days can be more of a challenge than fun. A boat that can perform adequately in a wider range of wind speeds will result in more days sailed, or at least more days enjoyably sailed. Yet when I read reviews of small-craft sailboats, I rarely see mention of this issue.

I recently made the switch to a sailboat that is more stable in higher winds. My prior craft was safe in higher winds, but with a crew of three or more, you really had to watch your on-board movements when the winds picked up. A boat that’s more stable in those conditions—and can even excel in those conditions by planning—has opened up more weather windows for enjoyable sailing.

Another way to handle future higher wind speeds would be more sail options. For instance, a yawl or ketch configuration—especially with a foresail—can offer more sail options for light or heavy winds. Perhaps the best way to face a windier future would be a stout boat designed for heavy winds, but over-canvassed enough to still be useful in a zephyr (presuming the sailor was smart enough to take down that canvas when it started to blow).

What about you? Do you believe it is becoming windier in your area? Have you taken any steps to adjust? •SCA•