The Beaufort Scale Beaufort No. Wind Description Water Description Velocity in knots 0 Calm Water like a mirror. Completely still. Don't Bother Less than 1 Go for a swim instead 1 Light air Ripples with the appearance of scales are formed, but without crests. 1 to 3 Non-planing. A bit too light 2 Light breeze Small wavelets, still short but more pronounced. Crests have a glassy appearance and do not have break. 4 to 6 Non-planing. Gentle learning conditions 3 Light breeze Large wavelets. Crests begin to break. Foam of glassy appearance. Perhaps scattered white horses. 7 to 10 Good learning conditions 4 Gentle breeze Small waves becoming longer, fairly frequent white horses. 11 to16 Starting to Plane. Learners might get in trouble 5 Fresh breeze Moderate waves, taking more pronounced long form; many white horses are formed. Chances of some spray. 17 to 21 Problems for learners. Good for short boards 6 Strong breeze Large waves begin to form; the white foam crests are more extensive everywhere. Probably some spray. 22 to 27 Experienced sailor only 7 Near Gale Sea heaps up and white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks along the direction of the wind. 28 to 33 Experts and short board sailors only 8 Gale Moderately high waves; edges of crests begin to break. The Foam is blown in well-marked streaks along the direction of the wind. 34 to 40 Pretty hairy, even for experts 9 Severe Gale High Waves. Confused breaking crests. Panic stations. 41-46 Real experts only 10 Violent Storm Exceptionally high waves hiding ships from view. Sea covered in white foam. 48-55 Nutters, twits and plonkers only 11/12 Hurricane Stay away from your board. Visit your granny or something. 56 upwards Kamakazi sailors and suicidal wallys