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[quote=Edchris177][quote]Which makes me thankful this anemometer is waterproof. I want it out on the boat with me so if conditions do change, I can find out what it's actually doing. Like you said, eventually I'll have a better feel for what I can handle and what I can't. It'd be nice to be able to take a reading and either be able to say, "still safe with good margin" or "nope, time to turn tail and run."[/quote]
Tom, I personally wouldn't get to hung up on reading an instrument. Much like a depth finder, they tell you what just happened, not what is coming. Wind speed is only a number, you don't really need to know that number.
I would concentrate more on "what it looks like, & how does it feel". Observation will soon give you the skills to equate sea conditions with how much fun,(or lack of) the sail will be.
Closely observe the water surface,even when not sailing. You will soon be able to differentiate increasing wind speeds, based on when waves first begin to break, foam streaks appear, etc. 
You quickly develop a feel for what is in your comfort zone, & when rounding a point or headland will be able to look at the water ahead, & decide to turn back, furl the jib, or drive on. 
 When conditions change, such as a gust front or squall occur, the water surface is quite quick to react. When flying float planes we used to call gusts "cats paws", they are very visible, even when superimposed on a wave pattern. You will see them in time to head up & pinch if need be. I feel that is better than pulling out an instrument & taking a reading, the time could be better spent furling the jib.
It is easy to be data rich, & information poor with all the gizmos we have today. GPS comes to mind, easy to get fixated heads down,looking at a screen, & fail to notice the slight breaking of the waves indicating the approaching reef.<em>Edited by Edchris177 on Dec 04, 2012 - 05:59 AM.</em> [/quote]

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