Know Your Wind

Welcome to Lake Memphremagog, the home of the Newport Community Sailing Center! As sailors, we know the importance of understanding the wind—it's what makes our sport so exhilarating. Before you head out on one of our Hunter, Oday, FJ, Sunfish, or Pram sailboats, we want to ensure your experience is not only fun but, most importantly, safe. We've set a wind speed limit of 15 mph for our fleet, and this real-time wind data is the first step in preparing for your sail. Please check the current conditions to plan your perfect day on the water.

Points of Sail:

No-Go Zone

  • In Irons: The area where the boat's bow is pointed directly into the wind. The sails will flap, and the boat cannot move forward on its own.

Sailing Into the Wind

  • Close-Hauled: The boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible, with the bow at about a 45-degree angle to the wind. The sails are pulled in tight to the boat's center.

  • Close Reach: The boat is sailing at an angle between close-hauled and a beam reach. The sails are eased out slightly from the close-hauled position.

Sailing With the Wind on the Side

  • Beam Reach: The boat is sailing at a 90-degree angle to the wind, with the wind coming directly over the side. The sails are let out about halfway.

Sailing With the Wind

  • Broad Reach: The boat is sailing with the wind coming from behind and to the side, at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The sails are let out further to catch more wind.

  • Running: The boat is sailing directly downwind, with the wind coming from directly behind the boat. The sails are let out as far as they can go.