Wind Indicators

Mast Wind Indicators Built for Racing Accuracy

A mast wind indicator sits at the highest point on your rig, giving you an accurate read on wind angle. For ILCA/Laser sailors, where fractions of a degree separate the fleet on the beat, this matters enormously. Masthead vanes rotate freely on low-friction bearings, pointing true even in light, shifty air. Many models feature high-visibility colour-coded tips so you can read wind direction at a glance from the cockpit without squinting. 

Choose the Right Wind Indicator for Your Boat Type

Not every wind indicator suits every application. A wind flag indicator or tell-tale works brilliantly for sail trim feedback on a racing dinghy. A dedicated wind vane or weather vane at the masthead suits yachts and keelboats where distance from the cockpit demands high visibility. Competitive sailors often pair a masthead vane with deck-level tell-tales for layered wind reading. Anemometers and wind speed indicators suit those wanting quantified data rather than directional cues alone. An outdoor wind direction meter gives cruisers a fixed-point reference at anchor or on a pontoon. 

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FAQ

What is a wind indicator called?

A wind indicator goes by several names depending on its design, including wind vane, weather vane, wind direction gauge, and masthead burgee. On boats, a sailing wind indicator or mast wind indicator specifically refers to the rotating device mounted at the top of the rig.

What is another name for a wind gauge?

A wind gauge is also called an anemometer when it measures wind speed, or a wind direction indicator when it shows the angle of the wind. Sailors also use the term wind measurement tool to describe any device that reads wind conditions on the water.

What are the types of wind indicators?

The main types of wind indicator include masthead vanes, wind socks, wind flag indicators, tell-tales, anemometers, and fixed outdoor wind direction meters. Each type suits a different use, from precise sail trim feedback on racing dinghies to broader weather monitoring on moored vessels.

What is the wind indicator on a mast?

The wind indicator on a mast is called a masthead wind indicator or mast wind indicator, and it rotates freely to point into the apparent wind. It gives sailors a constant, high-visibility read on wind direction angle directly from the cockpit during racing or cruising.