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Sailing lives on wind – too little and you sit flat, too much gets uncomfortable or dangerous. The wind map shows flow and strength for your waters and helps plan trips and regattas according to the weather.
For most leisure sailors 3–5 Beaufort is pleasant, from 6 it gets demanding, from 7 inexperienced crews should stay in harbor. The map shows wind in km/h – roughly: 20 km/h ≈ 3 Bft, 40 km/h ≈ 5 Bft, 60 km/h ≈ 7 Bft.
Watch the trend: if wind increases over several hours, plan an early start and timely return. Fall wind on Alpine lakes and foehn on North Sea coasts can rise faster than models sometimes show.
Colors show wind speed, flow shows direction. Onshore wind from the sea often means higher waves when approaching.
During fronts and thunderstorms gusts can be well above mean wind – also check the wind gust radar.
On inland lakes wind often strengthens in the afternoon through thermals – use the timeline.
Lake Constance often develops strong foehn from the southeast in afternoon thermals. The Baltic Sea reacts sensitively to east and northeast wind with high swell. On the North Sea tide, swell and squalls are additional factors – add the wave radar.
For coastal trips check weather alerts: storm warnings usually mean harbor or sheltered bays for smaller yachts.
Thunderstorms on the water are life-threatening. When cells approach, seek shelter immediately – harbor, sheltered bay or land. The thunderstorm radar shows cells before they appear on the horizon.
Squalls can turn and strengthen wind at short notice. When the wind map hints at shower fronts, reduce sail or abort in time.
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