In the past, wind was perceived
as a blessing, a benign force which carried seamen towards great
discoveries in the time when sailors ruled the seas and oceans.
Today, yachtsmen and sailors, as the last guardians of the wind,
ride the waves in search of adventure and the challenges of
nature.
Every wind has its own
characteristics which can help us predict whether the wind
will strengthen, cease or announce the arrival of another wind. A
good knowledge of the wind will enable us to catch the right one
that can lead us to our goal.
The winds of the
Adriatic mainly originate from the differences in
temperatures of the land and the sea and due to differences in air
pressure. Air circulation and changes from warm to cold air create
pleasant winds that continuously fill the sails with their force.
These are the "Burin" and "Maestral" winds.
The correct transition of the
daytime "Maestral" and the night-time "Burin" is a sign of stable
weather that will last. Abrupt changes of air-pressure announce
stronger winds that are worth avoiding by sailing to one of the
numerous sheltered bays and harbours.
The arrival of a
particular wind, whether good or bad, can be recognised by
experienced sailors by the clouds and the sunsets. A clear sky and
a sunset of strong, lively colours are the signs of good weather. A
pale and blurry sunset announces a worsening of the weather. Small
fluffy clouds above the island hills signify a "Maestral" and
therefore pleasant sailing weather..
A cover of clouds above the peak
of the inland mountains announces the arrival of the "Bura", the
wind that doesn't give the sailors enough time to prepare for its
strong blows and which therefore requires much caution.
The favourite predictors
of weather for many seamen are the dolphins. Although
initially providing a lovely sight, their presence often precedes a
worsening of weather. The direction from which the dolphins swim is
where one can expect bad weather to arrive from.
In summer, the
"Maestral" is the most common wind. By uniformly
blowing in the same direction and due to its cooling effect, the
"Maestral" has determined the building pattern of ancient Dalmatian
streets. The city streets are open in the direction of the
"Maestral" in order for the breeze to circulate through the
town.
In order to adjust to the winds,
one must get to know them, and in order to make sure they always
fill your sails, it's necessary to recognise the fundamental
characteristics of every wind.
The structure of the
Adriatic region's wind movements comprises 8 main
winds.
The "Bura" is
an unpredictable, north-western wind blowing from the inland
towards the sea. It blows in bursts and is both cold and dry, and
as such purifies and brightens the atmosphere. The visibility after
the "Bura" is excellent and the weather is sunny and
clear.
Sailing during the "Bura" is
exciting and challenging. However, it requires caution, regarding
readiness of both the boat and its crew. Experienced seamen have a
proverb: "The Bura says: 'When I sail, you don't!' ". Short, high
waves with white crests are its characteristics, making the
navigation difficult. The small drops formed by the wind create a
so-called "sea smoke" that reduces the visibility significantly.
However, the "Bura" also has its good side. Thanks to the dry air
it brings, the Adriatic speciality of wind-dried ham ('pršut') gets
its distinctive quality.
The "Jugo" is a
south-western, warm and humid wind of moderate force that blows
from the sea towards the inland. It appears along the length of the
coast in all seasons, although in summer it is somewhat less
frequent. This wind, which gradually strengthens, creates long,
soundless and foamless waves that hit the shore and then draw
themselves back towards the high seas with a roar.
The "Jugo" offers a particular
experience to dynamic navigators, enabling the sailboat to reach
high speeds. Additionally, fish usually bite well during this
weather.
The "Maestral"
is a typical summertime Adriatic wind blowing from the north-west,
bringing nice and stable weather. This pleasant wind begins blowing
around dawn and lasts until sunset. During summer, it offers a
welcome cooling effect, bringing cleaner, healthier and colder air
from the sea. The wind is of moderate strength and thanks to this,
it is suitable for sailing, so that you can safely yield to the
movement of sea and let the waves peacefully embrace the sides of
the boat.
The remaining winds are of less
significance for the inhabitants of the Adriatic area, but further
out at sea they may be favourable to sailors. (These winds may
leave a pleasant whistling in the ears, reminding you of an
unforgettable summer!):
Tramuntana -
northerly, cooling wind that announces pleasant and beautiful
weather.
Grego - usually a
moderate or strong north-easterly wind carrying dry, clear and cold
weather.
Levant - easterly
wind that blows during cloudy, humid or rainy weather.
Oštro -
southerly, warm and damp wind.
Lebić -
south-westerly, dry and warm wind which blows on the Adriatic after
the Jugo, levelling the waves in shallow harbours.