Why Dinghies Hate Trees – How Tree Lines Affect Wind
Trees are lovely to look at. They line the River Thames with natural beauty and dappled sunlight. But if you’re in a sailing dinghy, those leafy giants can feel like the enemy.
That’s because trees steal wind.
One moment you're gliding along, sails full, boat balanced. The next? The wind vanishes, your sails luff, and you're left bobbing helplessly by the riverbank. Welcome to the dreaded tree zone.
How Trees Mess With Your Wind
1. Wind Shadows
Trees block the wind, creating large pockets of calm air on the leeward side. This “wind shadow” can extend for several boat lengths — and you don’t know it's there until you're in it.
2. Turbulence and Swirls
Even when wind makes it past a tree line, it often comes through in unpredictable gusts, swirls, and sudden shifts. This makes sail trimming, tacking, and gybing harder — and sometimes dangerous.
3. Bending and Funelling
On narrow parts of the Thames, trees on both sides can create a funnel, forcing the wind to bend or twist. What started as a nice breeze from the west might turn into a messy headwind from the north.
What You Can Do About It
1. Anticipate the Shadow
Learn where the wind shadows form on your stretch of the river. Watch how boats ahead slow down or suddenly heel over. Adjust your route early.
2. Keep Your Speed Up
If you're heading into a likely windless patch, build speed beforehand. A little extra momentum can carry you through until the wind returns.
3. Weight Positioning Matters
In lighter, shifty winds, subtle movements make a big difference. Keep the boat flat and your weight central to maintain balance and responsiveness.
4. Watch the Ripples
Wind shadows are visible on the water. Smooth patches mean still air. Aim for the darker, rippled zones where the breeze is alive.
Don’t Blame the Boat
When you’re stuck by the trees, flapping in silence while someone else zips by mid-river, it’s tempting to curse your luck or your sails. But often, it’s just the trees doing their thing. Understanding their impact turns frustration into strategy.
📖 Learn how to beat the tree line at: https://pmrsailing.uk
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