"Mike" wrote
I'm not a big water boater, so I guess I don't matter...

I'd read about Beaufort before, but around here, we use the Willow scale. I
look out the window at that big willow tree next door
(http://blizzard.zmm.com/images/090307.jpg) and if the fronds are swaying a
bit, conditions are pretty good for sailing. If they're hanging straight
down and motionless, I can plan on unfurling the iron spinnaker. If the
fronds are coming off and blowing across my yard, it's a bit too rough to go
out.