Which Way the Wind Blows

[Rob Stevens]

   I was told on the Gulf Coast the south east wind is the norm. I'm familiar with places where down the coast means where the wind is likely to blow a sailing vessel. Is going northerly on the Gulf Coast  called going down the coast?

[Jeremy Clark]

That is the norm, blowing from the ESE towards the WNW. However is is best to check the forcast. Cold fronts usually have strong N-NW winds. We had to cut our trip short, due to high winds in the wrong direction. Good luck.

[Rob Stevens]

Thanks. To sail from Boston to Maine is called going down east, (down wind) and to sail north on the Labrador coast is to go down Labrador. Is sailing from Everglades City to Tampa called down the coast and is it up to Flamingo?

[Kim Gass]

You guys have cabin fever too???LOL

[Amazon Bill]

In Florida down means south, up means north. Unless you're up the creek and the weather is heading south in a hurry. New England sailing terminology doesn't transfer to south Florida.