Walk through any ILCA dinghy park and you'll see it: the little wind indicator on the side of the mast hangs upside down, with the vane below the arm. Sailors flip it so other boats' mainsheets can't catch it and rip it off in crowded starts. It works as protection, but most indicators were never designed to run that way, and you pay for it in accuracy.
Where do ILCA sailors mount a wind indicator?
There are two usual spots on an ILCA (formerly Laser):
- On the side of the mast, below the boom. This is the most popular choice because it sits close to eye level while you sail. You glance at it without looking up.
- At the masthead. Up there it sits above the sail. Sailors point out the risk: in a capsize or a turtle, the top of the mast is the first thing to hit the water, or the mud.
Why is the side wind indicator mounted upside down?
The low position has one big problem. At the start, boats sail inches apart, and the mainsheet or boom of the boat next to you can hook the vane and tear it off. Sailors on long running forum threads describe losing vanes overboard again and again.
Turning the indicator upside down solves most of that. With the vane hanging below the arm, a sheet slides over it instead of catching it. That's why, in photos of ILCA fleets racing, so many indicators sit inverted.
What does mounting it upside down cost you?
Most vanes balance on a pivot point and are designed to sit on top of it, not hang from it. Flip it, and the bearing surface works in a way it wasn't made for.
One major manufacturer says this plainly in its own fitting guide: the indicator "is not designed to work upside down and the bearing surface has more friction." The same guide recommends turning it upside down only in winds above 8 knots.
More friction means the vane reacts later and less precisely. In a breeze you may not notice. In light air, when every small shift matters, it's exactly when you need the reading most.
What should you look for in a side wind indicator?
- Built to work inverted. If you'll mount it upside down, choose one designed for that position, not one adapted to it.
- Low friction in light air. A balanced vane that turns freely is what makes an indicator useful when the breeze drops.
- Saltwater proof hardware. Look for 316 marine grade stainless steel, the grade made for life in salt spray.
- A replaceable vane. Vanes are the part that breaks. Being able to replace only the vane saves you buying a whole new indicator.
How the new Windie Side Wind Indicator handles this
We designed the upcoming Windie Side Wind Indicator for the way ILCA sailors actually mount it. The arrow turns on bearings instead of resting on a pivot point, so it stays smooth and accurate even when mounted upside down. The arm, bolt and nut are 316 marine grade stainless steel with a black oxide finish, and it comes with a boat side mount.
A Windie Top Wind Indicator for the masthead is on the way too, and a separate replacement vane will fit both versions, so if a vane breaks you swap the vane, not the whole indicator.
Quick answers
Why are wind indicators upside down on Lasers?
So other boats' mainsheets and booms can't catch the vane and rip it off, especially in crowded starts.
Does an upside down wind indicator still work?
Yes, but many standard indicators have more friction when inverted, so they react less precisely, mainly in light wind.
Where is the best place for a wind indicator on an ILCA?
Most sailors use the side of the mast below the boom for an eye level reading. Some add one at the masthead.
Can I replace just the vane?
It depends on the indicator. Windie wind indicators will have a replacement vane sold separately that fits both the side and top versions.
The bottom line
Flipping your side wind indicator protects it, but many standard vanes lose precision upside down, right when light air makes precision matter. If you mount it inverted, use one built for it. And if you're still reading the breeze by feel, our guide on how to choose an anemometer covers measuring wind speed too.