Weatherwatch: how cat’s paws helped point sailors in the right direction
Cat's paws are surface ripples on water caused by turbulent airflow, indicating wind patterns. Historically, sailors viewed these patterns as signs of good fortune, as they helped locate favorable winds. The phenomenon occurs when air turbulence creates small swirls on the water's surface, often near cliffs or other features that channel winds.
- ▪Cat's paws are surface patterns on water caused by turbulence in the atmosphere.
- ▪Sailors used to chase cat's paws to find the best winds for sailing.
- ▪The phenomenon is linked to superstitions about good fortune at sea.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Environment |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/apr/29/weatherwatch-cats-paws-wind-water-sailors |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:46 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-29T05:33:26.587Z |
| Last seen | 2026-04-29T05:33:26.587Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Isle of Skye at sunset. Cat’s paws may appear where cliffs channel winds, so ships would chase them to catch the breeze. Photograph: Daniel Lange/AlamyView image in fullscreenThe Isle of Skye at sunset. Cat’s paws may appear where cliffs channel winds, so ships would chase them to catch the breeze. Photograph: Daniel Lange/AlamyWeatherwatchEnvironmentWeatherwatch: how cat’s paws helped point sailors in the right directionSurface ripples known as cat’s paws, caused by turbulence cascade, show where wind is – and were once seen as luckyDavid HamblingWed 29 Apr 2026 01.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 13 May 2026 23.18 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOn a windy day, the surface of a lake is not a continuous pattern of ripples but instead marked with patches of disturbance, as though a…
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