If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for navigation tips that make it easier to navigate with less effort. When you first learn to sail, it can be difficult to “see the wind.” You can feel the wind on your cheek or on the back of your neck. But how can you see it? Take a look at these three simple, non-electronic type wind gauges that are available to boaters:

Types of apparent wind indicators

Sail Luff Telltales

Your genoa or mainsail may have indicators (small strips of string or tape) attached to the luff (in the case of a headsail) or the leech (in a mainsail). These indicators show the apparent wind flow through the sail. But the candle indicators can be difficult to see. You have to crouch down, stretch your neck to see the luff of your Genoa. And when you’re sailing with little or no manpower, that can be a lot of work. Plus the fact that luff gauges only show apparent wind flow through a sail.

Bedside fly

If you have a wind “fly” on top, this miniature weather vane shows how the wind is flowing through the boat. It is almost the perfect apparent wind indicator because it is not obstructed or blocked by another sail, mast, rigging or blocked by nearby land. But butt flights can be difficult to see at the top of your mast.

Witnesses of the Shroud

Deck gauges are an easier alternative to the cap fly and still give you a great picture of how the apparent wind is flowing through your boat. They are easier to use than luff gauges for lightly crewed sailors because there is no need to bend down and strain to see the luff of your Genoa or your headsail. Best of all, they are cheap, easy to make, and super simple to use. Follow these three easy steps to create and mount your deck gauges in just a few minutes:

1. Find the right material for the indicators of the Shroud

Go to your local sewing and fabric store. Find the aisle that sells yarn. Buy a roll of angora wool. Dark colors are good for browsing during the day, while brighter colors stand out better at night. Angora wool is the best indicator because it is lightweight and shows direction even on those super light morning zephyr.

2. Make and attach your indicators of the Shroud

Cut two 6 “to 9” strips of yarn. Attach the thread to the top deck on each side, as high up off the deck as possible. You want the floss to be outdoors so it doesn’t get blocked by your cabin roof, Bimini top, or sprinkler diffuser.

3. Match your indicator to the point of the candle

Use a “browse and study” method to learn how to read the Shroud indicator. Sail to each point on the sail, stabilize the boat and watch the gauge. See how it aims. After several times of doing this, you will be able to recognize what the gauge should look like when hitting, reaching, or running.

How to use the indicators of the Shroud

Focus on three specific points on the sail: flap (wrap), hit the beam, and sprint. At each point on the sail, note the angle of the indicators on your mortise. This takes a bit of practice and patience.

To beat, find that “razor’s edge” between luffing and sailing. Take a look at the gauge on the windward side deck. Notice how it makes a slight angle to the bow. Stay on course and focus on that angle. Lean back a bit and watch the windward shroud indicator change its angle. Return to a rhythm (closed course). Again, note the telltale angle of the deck. Repeat this several times until this revealing deck angle becomes second nature to you.

Follow this same sequence with a beam scope and a running course. As you can see, the shroud indicators will force you to find the point of the candle first and then help you to hold that point of the candle. This will make you less dependent on the luff indicators and require less effort because they will always be visible while driving from the tiller or rudder.

Use these three quick and easy steps on your journey to learn to navigate better than ever. You will increase your speed, power and performance at any point on the sail, wherever in the world you choose to sail!