How little wind?

[edselby]

I'm taking sailing lessons next week (on a lake - not open water), and I am curious about how little wind is needed to move the boat.

Winds on Lake Lanier (north Georgia) have been mild - to say the least - so far this month. For instance, the predicted high this week is only about 7 knots. I will be learning on a Catalina 27

So -- will I be sailing or motoring?

[Vasco]

sailing slowly.

[RainDog]

7 knots is plenty. You will learn more in light wins too. 3 knots and you will be motoring.

[jeepbluetj]

Around here we get lots of 7 to 10kt winds. You'll learn fine with that, and it's safer too (i.e. an unintended gybe in light are isn't nearly as ferocious as one when it's blowin)

It'll be a tad bit slow, like 3-4 kts of boat speed.

[Stu Jackson]

It's a GREAT way to learn. Many of us note that sailing in low wind is much more challenging.

[SkiprJohn]

Sailing with just light ripples on the water is a real challenge. You really get to know how to adjust sails properly to get every bit of light wind power from them. It is most exasperating in a race but is a very good learning experience and can be boring.

That's a good boat for your lessons. I kind of like them.

[tbodine88]

If you have a schedule, light winds are a problem. Without one its a time to sit back and relax. My Potter moves in very little wind albeit slowly.