Author's Note:
The author of this article is an amateur sailor with 12 years of experience sailing along the North American coast, having sailed a variety of vessels ranging from small 28-foot cruisers to 60-foot high-performance catamarans.This article is compiled from actual sailing logs, accident reports from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and training materials from the European Sailing Association (YSA). Its purpose is to provide beginners with practical, actionable advice, and it is not associated with any commercial promotional interests.
Abstract:
Many beginners new to sailing assume that handling a sailboat is quite easy; however, they only realize this is not the case when they encounter a sudden gust of wind.This article combines real-world sailing scenarios from Europe and the United States with the data logic of mainstream sailing apps like “In Excess” to analyze common misconceptions in sailboat handling.Starting with assessing wind direction, moving on to adjusting trim, and covering emergency evasion maneuvers, this article offers practical, real-world guidance—not just textbook theory—to help you avoid those “hidden pitfalls” that can leave you scrambling.
Don’t fall for the “leaving it up to the weather” myth
Seriously.
Many people, on their first time out at sea, see the water as smooth as a mirror and think to themselves, “What wind force could this possibly be? We can just row around casually.”
And what happens?
Ten minutes later, a wave crashes over, the boat lurches to one side, and the tiller in your hands nearly flies out of your grasp.
This is classic beginner’s arrogance.
In Europe and the United States—especially in popular sailing destinations like San Diego, California; Miami, Florida; and the southern coast of England—the weather can change at an incredibly rapid pace. What you might think of as a “breeze” is very likely just the prelude to a sudden gust.
I’ve seen countless people who, unable to accurately interpret sudden shifts in wind direction, lost control of their sails and were ultimately forced to drop anchor and wait for rescue.
That’s really expensive.
Tugboat fees, increased insurance premiums, and even being blacklisted by local maritime authorities—any one of these could easily cost you enough to buy a new boat.
So, with that in mind, we really need to talk about this thing called “In Excess.”
Don’t think of it as some high-tech scientific instrument.
It’s just a tool.
A tool that helps you turn “intuition” into “data.”
In Excess isn’t a fortune-teller—it’s your rearview mirror.
A lot of beginners ask me:
“Why do I have to download an app to check the wind direction?”
“Can’t I just watch the flagpole to see which way the wind is blowing?”
Let me explain.
The flagpole is stationary.
When the boat starts moving, the flag on the flagpole that you see actually corresponds to the apparent wind.
It’s completely different from the true wind direction—it’s not the same thing at all.
When you’re moving at full speed, the wind blowing directly at you is actually the result of the boat’s speed combined with the wind speed.
If you try to trim the sails based on feel at this point, you’ll most likely capsize.
The core logic of the navigation app “In Excess” is to perform this conversion.
Using GPS speed, compass heading, and anemometer data, it calculates in real time the actual wind direction you’re facing.
Let’s take an example.
Suppose the true wind is 10 knots, blowing directly from astern.
You’re moving forward at 5 knots.
The wind you feel on your boat is 15 knots, blowing from 45 degrees astern and to the side.
If you adjust the sail angle based on a 10-knot wind, the sail will flap loudly.
The sail lines will snap.
The mast will sway.
You’ll panic.
However, if you check the “apparent wind” data in the app, trim the sails a little tighter, or adjust your angle to catch the wind more effectively, the boat will stabilize.
That’s the power of data.
“Unwritten Rules” in European and American Waters: Right-of-Way and Customs
In China, we may be used to following traffic signs.
But at sea, the rules are more primitive—and more ruthless.
Right of Way
This is the bible for all sailors.
But in practice, many beginners get it backward.
For example, when two sailboats meet:
The boat on the port side must give way to the boat on the starboard side.
Why?
Because the boat on the starboard side has its sails set and is relatively less maneuverable.
The boat on the windward side, on the other hand, has its sails furled and is easier to maneuver.
Does that sound counterintuitive?
Exactly.
That’s why, when I’m sailing along the East Coast of the United States, I often see experienced sailors deliberately anchor their boats there, watching as the seemingly clueless novice boats on the other side head straight toward them.
Of course, everyone laughs after the collision.
But that “lesson” only needs to be learned once.
Also, don’t forget about anchorage etiquette.
In Europe and the United States, there are many ports and bays where sounding the horn is prohibited at night—the so-called “Quiet Hours.”
If you’re still blasting your horn at 2 a.m., your neighbors will call the police.
I’m not joking.
Once, I was at a small marina in Newport, and because I tried starting the engine in the middle of the night and made too much noise, the police came over, knocked on my window, and gave me a warning.
Embarrassing?
Embarrassing.
But that’s part of the experience.
Data doesn’t lie, but you can misinterpret it
Back to *In Excess*.
Many users only look at the surface-level data.
For example, wind speed.
But true experts look at the trends.
The wind speed suddenly drops by 2 knots.
The wind direction shifts by 5 degrees.
These two subtle changes are often signs that a storm is approaching.
Or, they may signal that you are about to enter the Doldrums.
The Doldrums
It sounds romantic.
In reality, it’s a desperate situation.
The boat doesn’t move.
The sails hang limp.
It’s unbearably hot.
At this point, if you don’t have a backup power source (a motor), you’re just going to drift.
In Excess’s history tracking feature comes in very handy here.
It can tell you how you lost power during that recent leg of the voyage.
Was it because you were too far offshore?
Or did you choose the wrong tidal window?
Review these details.
That way, you can avoid them next time.
Practical Tips to Reduce Boat Repairs
1. Don’t over-tighten your sail lines.
Leave a little slack.
When the boat is pitching, the sail lines will stretch.
If you pull them too tight, the lines will snap and the pulleys will break.
The cost of repairing a pulley could easily pay for a nice meal.
2. This technique is used for “hiking out”—here’s how it works.
Don’t rely solely on your body weight.
You need to use your core strength.
Otherwise, after half a day, you’ll have a sore back and the boat still won’t be stable.
Check out videos of professional sailors.
They look like they’re doing yoga.
But they’re actually using their bodies to fight the wind.
3. Always keep your communication devices turned on.
VHF radio.
Don’t think of it as a hassle.
When your cell phone has no signal, this is your only lifeline.
Remember to set it to the international distress channel 16.
Even if you’re just monitoring it normally, it could save your life in a critical moment.
4. Life jackets aren’t just for show.
I know, wearing a life jacket looks ugly.
It’s hot.
It’s restrictive.
But if you fall into the water and are unconscious, a life jacket can turn you over so that your mouth and nose are facing upward.
That split second can mean the difference between life and death.
Don’t take it off just to look good in a photo.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Is the free version of In Excess sufficient?
A: It’s sufficient for beginners who go out to sea occasionally.
Premium features like predicted routes and more accurate wind direction models are definitely worth the cost.
But I recommend trying it out first.
Don’t rush to pay right away.
Q: If I don’t have an anemometer, can I use my phone’s sensors?
A: Yes, but it’s not accurate.
A smartphone’s barometer and accelerometer are highly susceptible to vibrations from the boat’s hull.
The data will be delayed.
It’s best to buy an external Bluetooth anemometer for a few dozen dollars.
It will improve accuracy significantly.
Q: What should you do first when you encounter a sudden gust?
A: Ease off the sail.
That’s right—ease off the sail first.
Let the wind escape from the sail.
Once the boat slows down, it stabilizes.
Don’t rush to turn the wheel.
When the boat’s speed is unstable, turning the wheel can cause it to turn sideways and capsize immediately.
Q: Why does the wind direction shown on my app feel different from what I actually feel?
A: Check the installation location.
An anemometer mounted at the top of the mast is less affected by upper-level air currents.
If it’s mounted lower, it will be obstructed by the hull.
Also, make sure the app’s calibration parameters are correct.
For example, the boat’s length and center of gravity.
Q: What should I be aware of when sailing at night?
A: Lights.
Make sure the navigation lights are in good working order.
Red on the left, green on the right.
This is a golden rule.
Also, turn off all bright lights on the boat.
This preserves your night vision.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to see other small boats.
Finally, I’d like to say:
Sailing is all about your mindset.
The more you try to control everything, the easier it is to lose control.
Learn to work with nature.
Use your tools, rather than relying on data.
Enjoy the thrill of every time you hoist the sails and every tack you make.
That’s what sailing is all about.
Go.
The sea breeze is waiting for you.