Apparent Wind Meaning in Sailing

Apparent wind is the wind felt by a person on a moving boat. This wind combines the true wind with the wind created by the boat movement. A sailor feels the apparent wind blowing harder as the boat gains more speed. The direction of this wind shifts toward the front of the vessel during travel. A navigator uses the apparent wind to set the sails for maximum forward power. If the boat stops moving, the apparent wind becomes the same as true wind. Understanding this concept helps the crew adjust to changes in speed and wind direction. Proper sail trim depends entirely on the angle and strength of this combined air.