What minimum wind speed is required to sail?

Answer 1

It really depends on the boat size and at what speed you want to sail. In just a light breeze the yacht will be moving and then as the wind increases strength the yacht will start going faster. I sailed a Vivacity 20 and a Halcat and this is what I experienced. Any other comments welcome.

- Anonymous

Below 5 knots of wind there is not a lot of fun to be had, unless you are a fanatic or want to enjoy drifting!

At 10 knots of wind things are pretty good for a beginner.

At 20 knots of wind you need to be skilled and experienced and diligent.

At 35 knots of wind there is a saying

- you don't need a life jacket, you need a priest.

Most kinds of races are cancelled if there is not at least 5 knots of wind at all the buoys.

A lot of this is influenced greatly by the surf, boat and mood of the sailor.

Cheers,

- Rick "Your mileage will vary"