Catching Wind

Hey everybody ,
What is the best way to catch wind when there is a low amount of it? Is there a certain position I should put the sail at? I have tried tacking but with the low wind it is hard to get any at the possible angle.

Hopefully this will be helpful. https://www.sunfishclass.org/documents/learn_2_sail_in_3_days.pdf

Thanks that was a great link I really enjoyed reading and it answered so many questions.

in very light winds, I find that a wind indicator can be very helpful. you can buy them online from various sources, or just make your own using an old wire coat hanger and some pieces of yarn or cassette tape.
this pictorial explains it nicely: http://www.windline.net/wind_indic.htm
I have also blogged about the version that I made, you can read about it here: https://my2fish.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/sunfish-wind-indicators/
instead of taping it to the upper spar, I used a piece of PVC pipe to make a sort of crude "spring clamp" that holds the wind indicator in place.


cheers,
tag

Using a single strip of plastic "rescued" from an old blue tarp, very low wind directions can be determined. Tying a feather to the end—even better. (Inside the white square in the below photograph ).

It's so sensitive, it's indicating that I'm on the wrong tack!

Don't listen to Alan S. Glos, he uses obsolete strips that contain iron!

Light and Variable Winds said:

Tying a feather to the end—even better.

Click to expand...

I think that loon is allowing you to come so close because he wants his feather back!

- Andy