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Wind instruments on cruising yachts

Apparent and true wind sensors, masthead units, and NMEA integration on production cruisers.

Overview

Wind instruments measure apparent wind (what you feel) and, with speed input, calculate true wind. Masthead anemometers and windex vanes are the most common setup on cruisers.

Components

  • Masthead unit — cups or ultrasonic; vulnerable to bird strikes and corrosion
  • Display — apparent angle and speed; some units show true wind when SOG available
  • NMEA 0183/2000 — feeds autopilot and chartplotter overlay

Calibration tips

  1. Mast bend — compare tacking angles; adjust offset if both tacks differ consistently
  2. Heel — apparent wind shifts with heel; true wind calculation needs good speed reference
  3. Wiring — mast cable fatigue at partners is a common fault

Pair with autopilot basics and Baltic weather.

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