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Welcome! NauticEd’s Sailing Blog is an extension of our sailing courses and charter vacations – a happy space where our team of pro sailors and collaborators share education and vacation information, tips, news, and sometimes just fun stuff. With over 850 articles and growing, we offer sailors a wealth of sailing information. If you are interested in powerboating, check out our new powerboating courses and blog. Cheers! Grant Headifen – NauticEd.

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Latest Posts.

Chart showing wind speed increase with height, affecting sailing dynamics. Wind speed from 15 to 18.9 knots at 40 ft.

How does Wind Gradient affect Apparent Angle

With wind gradient, the wind speed increases with height above the water because surface friction slows the air closer to the water. If the direction of the true wind stays the same, but the speed increases aloft, then due to the movement of the boat the apparent wind angle aloft shifts slightly aft.
Snorkeling in vibrant Tahiti waters with a sailboat in the background, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

Tahiti Flotilla – October 2026

Sail through the emerald peaks and turquoise lagoons of Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora on our Tahiti Sailing Flotilla — a guided week that blends effortless island hops, vibrant coral gardens, and authentic Polynesian culture. Snorkel pristine reefs, relax on palm-lined motu sandbars, visit black pearl farms, and enjoy sunset cocktails under open skies while your lead boat provides daily guidance and support.

“We have one very powerful principle. It is concentrated in one word: competence”

NauticEd is the leading International sailing and boating education company – offering over 20 best-in-class online sailing courses, a global network of sailing schools and private sailing instructors, and top-ranked sailing blog. NauticEd Sailing Vacations includes full-service yacht charter agents ready to assist you when planning a sailing vacation anywhere in the world. View courses and more at nauticed.org >

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Last updated on January 7th, 2025