The availability of the new budget priced anemometers (Ventimeter) now on the market can be a mixed blessing. At one time, after a bit of a dusting, you could claim without conscience that you endured force 6 and 7 on the way home across the Channel last weekend, happy in the knowledge that you could not be expected to know for certain. Now, if you are unwise enough to use the thing in the same circumstances, you could not be so convincing as it invariably proves that the wind strength was not as strong as you thought!

From: The Yachtsman

Sayings

Mackerel sky and mares’ tails Make tall ships carry small sails.

No dew after sun, Fine weather’s on the run.

Come the rain before the wind, Halyards, sheets and braces mind. When the wind comes ‘fore the rain, You will soon make sail again.