Gust or Brezze
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12107
Printed Date: 09 Aug 25 at 10:51pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Gust or Brezze
Posted By: giwy1
Subject: Gust or Brezze
Date Posted: 30 Jul 15 at 9:06pm
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Hi All,
Just got my first ever boat. I am 44yo and a heavy sailor so after lots of research and asking questions on here I got a phantom. So I want to start of by going in a F3 or preferably lower, so do I work on the breeze or the gusts for working out the force? Any debates or factual answers would be much appreciated. Grant |
Replies:
Posted By: AlexM
Date Posted: 30 Jul 15 at 9:17pm
Google beaufort scale
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Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 30 Jul 15 at 11:05pm
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Yes, very good googling mate, but that's not the question he asked...
I think when deciding whether to stay on the beach or not you have to consider both the regular breeze and the gusts (and, if at sea, also the sea state). Typically yes, if people say F3 they mean average F3, not gust strength, but actually how hard and fast the gusts are coming on is a bigger issue than the base wind strength. Its easier to sail in a steady F5 then in F1 gusting 4. And I also reckon that you can handle an extra wind force (at least) on flat water as opposed to serious waves. So if you're not sure about the conditions, try and get high enough where you can get a decent look at the water and see the dark patterns from gust fronts. If they look big and dark and evil, and especially if they seem to be coming from varying directions then use a lot more discretion than if the wind is reasonably steady. A F3 in a Phantom is still a pretty powerful breeze |
Posted By: kneewrecker
Date Posted: 31 Jul 15 at 11:41am
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my simple rule of thumb- look for white caps. If there's white caps breaking across the wave top (sea) or in the gust pattern inland (look for darker water), then it's breezier than you think. Give it a season or two and you'll not find their presence disturbing
 |
Posted By: bferry
Date Posted: 31 Jul 15 at 12:34pm
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Wind finder is quite a good tool since it gives wind speed and gusts forecasts. This gives you an idea as to how stable the wind forecast is.
------------- Bernard Vareo 249 Miracle 2818 Malta |
Posted By: Woodburner
Date Posted: 31 Jul 15 at 2:31pm
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The clue to what to really avoid is when you can see the white caps going down wind away from you, but then chances are there will be nobody else out. So rule of thumb let someone else go out first watch how they get on then make the decision, don't be too nervous you've chosen a great boat, get out there in it and practise, where are you sailing it Grant? ------------- https://www.ease-distribution.com/moses" rel="nofollow - Foil fun |
Posted By: NickM
Date Posted: 31 Jul 15 at 7:31pm
| If you are sailing from a sailing club, check to see if it has an anemometer that should give you a rough idea of the wind strength. A good one will record gust strength too. You can also buy a hand-held one for around £15 (Google it) but again probably not v accurate. |
Posted By: giwy1
Date Posted: 31 Jul 15 at 8:48pm
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Hi woodburner, I picked it up today and is with me ready to be dropped off at covenham sailing club which is between Louth and Grimsby, do you know it? The wind over the weekend here is around 9 to 12 with gusts up to 20!!!! I might just go down tomorrow and Sunday and see how many go out, watch for a bit and go from there.... I'll keep you all updated
Thanks for all your help. |
Posted By: patj
Date Posted: 01 Aug 15 at 7:11am
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Windguru is another good website www.windguru.cz%20" rel="nofollow - www.windguru.cz - you can choose between miles per hour and knots in the options.
Being heavy like us you'll find light wind (below about 7 mph) an absolute pain so try to pick days with about 8-15 mph windspeed and gusts of very little more - it's the difference between wind speed and gust speed that causes problems - more difference, more problems. On flat water you can watch gusts coming across - try standing on shore on a windy day and watching the water surface for practice and see just where those gusts are going and how they bend with the shape of the lake. Also for starters go out when there is a safety boat on duty and others to help you. Once you get going a bit, join the racing as having to sail a specific course is much better training than just going where you fancy and also everyone knows where you are headed so you aren't just a randomly moving obstruction to racing. |
Posted By: giwy1
Date Posted: 01 Aug 15 at 8:28am
| Thanks pat, seems so logical really but not when you're a newbie. Really helpful advice so thanks for that. |
Posted By: about a boat
Date Posted: 03 Aug 15 at 3:27pm
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Enjoy the boat it is a great boat. Also look at the Phantom Class Association forum for any tips or questions you might have.
Considering the wind, it is also easier to go out in a building breeze. So if the forecast is say 8 knots building to 15 give it ago. But if it is a full on 15-18 straight in it might be a bit intimidating until you get more used to it. |
Posted By: rich96
Date Posted: 10 Dec 15 at 8:41am
The Phantom is very good in light breezes - don't be put off by 'too little' wind - just go out and see what happens. Anything over 10 - 12 knots in a Phantom is hard work so get used to the boat in lighter breezes first. Don't spend too long worrying about the forecasts etc - go along and, if its sensible, go sailing. Too many sailing days are lost be people taking to much notice about the forecast wind. Also - some of the better know 'wind forecast' websites regularly forecast ridiculous gust speeds - this puts off lots of people and they are regularly completely wrong. We had one the other day that said something along the lines of 8 - 12 knots gusting 25 ?. It never went above F3 all day. |
Posted By: Buzz
Date Posted: 11 Dec 15 at 1:52pm
| I find Xcweather very good. Then compare with the Met office. |