My vote also True wind not apparent.

Sure it can be difficult to guestimate but with time on your particular boat it will become much easier.

So what? why does it matter? The most important reason is anywhere on the close hauled side of a beam reach and you would feather up if the $#@& hits the fan.

But lets say you are below a beam reach at 120 degrees to the TRUE wind and a blaster puff hits, you better know you are sailing lower than a beam reach because: 1. Head up flip 2. bear away no problem

It is easy to know what to do at 45 degrees true or 135 degrees true.

But in what i call the danger zone 80-110 degrees true you better know if you are above or below a beam reach.

Sail Fast & Upright,
Mike