Force Three Winds

Force Three.  That's one of 12 wind speed categories on the Beaufort Scale.   Force Zero is flat calm and Force 12 is hurricane condtions.  The Beaufort Scale dates back to 1805 and the Royal Navy, but don't worry about that yet.

Force Three is a "gentle breeze" on the Beaufort scale, a wind speed of 7 to 10 knots.  On land, the signs are "Leaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended."   On the water, the signs are "Large wavelets, crests begin to break, scattered whitecaps."   I think of Force Three as a pre-whitecap stage.  A very few whitecaps appear, but not widespread.

This week's challenge is to learn the signs of Force Three winds.   Practice identifying Force Three as you go about your day - "leaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended."

---

This article first appeared in the Ocean Coach newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter to get great articles like this in your inbox twice a month!