What is the wind like on Lake St. Clair

Anyone who has learned to sail understands at least the basics about why you need to be constantly aware of wind speed and direction when sailing. With no wind, it is hard to sail. High wind will be dangerous to sail. Racers also need to know the wind direction to be able to plan for point of sail ahead of time. Sailors need to detect wind constantly because sails are trimmed and adjusted for maximum efficiency and speed according to both wind speed and direction.

Experienced sailors learn to read the wind in a more sophisticated manner by paying attention to indicators both on and off the sailboat. Racing sailors become adept at observing changes at a distance and predicting wind shifts. This article provides an overview of what to watch for.

Wind speed is measured with an anemometer. Most anemometers have four horizontal shafts arranged like the spokes of a wheel. The end of each shaft is cup-shaped. The wind pushes the concave side of the cup more than the convex side, so the anemometer spins in the wind.