The Wind Triangle: Apparent Wind vs True Wind

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Apparent wind is a vector summation of the boat velocity and the true wind velocity. The animation we have included below shows how the apparent wind changes with boat angle to the wind, given no change in boat speed and true wind velocity.

Sailing concepts like this are discussed in depth in our NauticEd Skipper Course. Make sure to check them out for yourself should you like to learn even more concepts like the one we have discussed today.

To properly utilize the animation below, simply click on the various points of sail buttons and the Animate button.

Grant Headifen
Grant Headifen
My vision for NauticEd is to provide the highest quality sailing and boating education available - and deliver competence wherever sailors live and go.
Grant Headifen
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Last updated on July 19th, 2022
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