Navigation NAU 102 Lesson 33

Weather Instruments
Wind Vane Measures apparent wind direction. Anemometer Measures apparent wind speed.

Weather Instruments
Wind Vane

Anemometer

Wind
Definitions
True wind. The speed and direction from which the wind blows with reference to a fixed point. Apparent wind. The speed and direction (true or relative) from which the wind appears to blow with reference to a moving point.

Wind
Examples
True wind: East wind, 10 knots. Ship: course 090 T, speed 5 knots. Apparent wind: From 090 T (000 R), 15 knots.

Wind
Examples
True wind: West wind, 10 knots. Ship: course 090 T, speed 5 knots. Apparent wind: 270 T (180 R), 5 knots.

Wind
Anemometers and wind vanes give apparent wind (unless the vessel is stopped). We must solve for True wind for our weather observations. Best done graphically on maneuvering board, plotting sheet or compass rose.

Wind
Example 1: A ship is proceeding on course 240 at a speed of 18 knots. The apparent wind is from 040 relative at 30 knots. What is the true wind?

Wind
Step 1: Plot ships course & speed.

Wind
Example 1: A ship is proceeding on course 240 at a speed of 18 knots. The apparent wind is from 040 relative at 30 knots.

Step 2: Convert relative direction of apparent wind to true direction, if necessary. R+S=T 040 R + 240 = 280 T

Step 3: Draw the apparent wind from the tip of the Wind ships course & speed vector. (Remember, draw the direction the wind is blowing towards!)

Step 4: Complete the triangle. Result = True wind.

Wind

Direction = 315 T Speed = 20 knots

Wind
Example 2: A ship is proceeding on course 140 at a speed of 15 knots. The apparent wind is from 110T at 20 knots. What is the true wind?

Wind
Step 1: Plot ships course & speed.

Wind
Example 2: A ship is proceeding on course 140 at a speed of 15 knots. The apparent wind is from 110T at 20 knots. What is the true wind?

Step 2: Convert relative direction of apparent wind to true direction, if necessary. True direction of apparent wind = 110 T

Step 3: Draw the apparent wind from the tip of the Wind ships course & speed vector.

Step 4: Complete the triangle. Result = True wind.

Wind

Direction = 071 T Speed = 11 knots

Wind Measurement
Beaufort Scale If no instruments are available, speed may be estimated by observing the effect on the water.
Scale was devised in 1806 by English Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857).

Force 0

Force 1

Force 2

Force 3

Force 4

Force 5

Force 6

Force 7

Force 8

Force 9

Force 10

Force 11

Force 12

Introduction to Navigation

Questions?