Lake Pend Oreille Sailing Club

03/30/2026

Let’s go sailing.

A common mistake is to think that the arrow is like a wind vane. It is not! The arrow points in the direction of the flow of the wind.

In compass-named directions, the wind directions in the table above are:

- 5 knots north-easterly (the wind is coming FROM the north-east)
- 10 knots north-westerly
- 25 knots easterly
- 50 knots south-south-easterly

03/18/2026

Some basic tools to help understand sailing.

Sailing Quiz: Which is the TRUE wind direction?

Some Definitions

True Winds: True wind is what you experience when you're standing still. Imagine standing in a field with a 10 mph/kph breeze blowing into your face — that's the true wind. In other words, it's the actual wind as measured from a stationary position.

Apparent Wind: Apparent wind is the wind you experience when you're moving. Both its speed and angle vary depending on your velocity, which has important implications for sailing.

03/05/2026

Have your game plan ready should you get in trouble.

Expert Rachael Sprot tackles a mid-channel crisis: Helen and Mark are over-pressed with a jammed furler and rising winds. What's the move?

https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/sailing-skills/the-furler-has-jammed-and-the-wind-is-building-what-do-you-do-104402

03/01/2026

8 on deck, Spirit hunting for a win. New sailing season starts soon….

01/22/2026

The truth is you should try sailing. We are always willing to offer rides on Sunday race days. New race schedule begins in May. Contact us if interested. More information to come…

12/24/2025

12/18/2025

Don’t know who all needs to hear this. Winter solstice is Sunday 9:03am. Then daylight starts getting longer again. 😃