The word leeward It has its origin in two Latin words: subtus (translated as "below" ) and ventus (what does it mean "wind" ). The term is used in a maritime context to designate the sector opposite to where the wind in relation to a certain point.
The leeward notion, therefore, contrasts with the idea of windward , which is the area or area where the wind enters in relation to a specific place.
The climatology and the geography physical they usually use the leeward idea to point out the direction marked by the prevailing winds. Those who sail, mention leeward as opposite side where the wind affects the boat.
Taking as a point concerning the center of a sailing boat, if the wind blows in the South direction, the lee would be the region located just to the South of the ship, behind the sail and, for that reason, sheltered from the wind. The windward, on the other hand, would be to the North, in front of the sail, right in the face where the wind would impact.
It should be noted that windward wind is considered as easier to maneuver. Therefore, leeward boats have right on windward ships when they cross in the middle of navigation, according to international regulations.
In the case of boats from warThese concepts are very important, since when the winds blow strongly, it is impossible to keep the ships balanced, since they will tend to lean in some direction. Whoever is located on the leeward side will run at a disadvantage, since their helmets will be exposed to the enemies and, in addition, will have greater risks of filling Water and be submerged without being able to do anything.
On the contrary, those who navigate windward will have a greater level of control over the ship, which in turn will be more protected from attacks and can easily withdraw when needed.
The life of the navigators is very particular and is generally summarized in "hard" by those who have not experienced it in their own flesh. On the one hand, it is true that the lack of contact with land firm For prolonged periods of time it is traumatizing for many people, and can generate sensations such as deep confusion and even depression. However, it is a very rich culture and, at best, it entails a great responsibility and organizational capacity, given the obvious shortage of resources that are lived in the middle of the ocean.
A deep knowledge of the wind and all the concepts that are related to it is essential when embarking on a serious trip. Unlike a journey traveled by car, which can be planned according to the available routes and whose only obstacles may be a traffic jam or that a zone is momentarily closed by reforms, the sea presents much greater and unpredictable challenges, and not always the most obvious path is the best.
When a group leaves hunting , on the other hand, the hunters try to place themselves in leeward with respect to their prey. In this way, the smell of people it will not reach the dam, which they can stalk without being discovered. Predatory animals use the same logic and try to place themselves in leeward position with respect to their prey.
The Leeward Islands , on the other hand, are a group of islands located in the Lesser Antilles , whose domain is shared Venezuela and the Netherlands . Among the leeward islands of Venezuela, may be named Daisy flower , he Los Roques archipelago and Horseshoe Cay . The Netherlands, on the other hand, exercises dominion over Leeward Islands as Aruba and Curacao .
