87
CAN A BOARD SAIL FASTER THAN THE
WIND? APPARENTLY!
The forward speed that we create as we windsurf is called the induced wind (like the wind a cyclist feels
in their face as they ride along on a windless day) and it hits the rig at exactly the same speed that the
board is travelling in. This headwind (negligible at low speed yet of paramount importa nce at high
speed) is added to the true wind with vector addition.
This increases the strength of the wind, as felt by the rig, which increases the power output of the sail, as well as
changing the direction of the wind hitting the sail. This resulting apparent wind comes from further ahead than the
true wind.
uk
WIND
SURFING