A variable is a wind condition where the breeze constantly changes its heading and intensity, making it impossible to establish a steady point of sail. In meteorology and navigation logs, winds are logged as variable when they fluctuate by more than 60 degrees and have speeds under 10 knots. They force sailors to constantly trim sails and adjust course.
Heard on the job
The forecast calls for variables under five knots, so we'll likely end up motoring through the channel.
Also heard as
- variable wind