Clipper Wind Speed Indicators

Clipper Wind Speed Indicators: Precision Wind Data for Sailors

When you're trimming sails in shifting conditions or navigating a tricky approach, knowing exactly what the wind is doing can make all the difference. Clipper, a product line from NASA Marine Instruments, has built a strong reputation among sailors worldwide for delivering accurate, easy-to-read wind speed indicators that combine practical engineering with long-term reliability.

The Clipper Wind System Lineup

Clipper offers several distinct wind instrument configurations to suit different sailors and vessels. The Clipper Wind System V2 is the core offering — a complete apparent wind package that pairs a masthead anemometer unit with a dedicated display. The Clipper Wind system shares the same 110mm square case as its sister instruments in the Clipper range, and the display is exceptionally large and clear, with 60 segments for full 360-degree direction indication. Wind speed is shown in knots, M.P.H., or Metres/second, and the pointer style is selectable — from a single segment to multi-segments for greater clarity, or a "windex" style indicator.

For competitive sailors and those who demand the fastest possible response, the Clipper Tactical Wind System steps things up considerably. In demanding conditions where high performance is essential, the Clipper Tactical wind system is the ideal choice, with ten updates every second — responding very quickly to changes in wind speed and direction during tricky manoeuvres. The Tactical system also supports true wind display: the Clipper True Wind Display shows apparent wind speed and direction, and when connected to a log or GPS, it can also show true wind speed and direction.

For boats where running new wiring down the mast is impractical, Clipper offers the Clipper Wireless Wind system. The Clipper Wireless Wind is supplied with a wireless masthead transmitter, a base unit, and a Clipper Wind display unit — with the masthead transmitter powered by an internal battery charged from ambient light using a small solar panel. When fully charged, it is capable of two thousand hours of full operation in total darkness, and it sends wind speed and direction data wirelessly to a base unit powered by the vessel's 12-volt supply.

NMEA Integration & System Compatibility

One of the strongest selling points of Clipper wind instruments is their seamless integration with modern onboard electronics. The masthead unit directly outputs the NMEA 0183 sentence MWV and is supplied with 20 metres of cable. This means Clipper wind data can feed chartplotters, autopilots, and other compatible displays with no additional hardware. For vessels running NMEA 2000 networks, a translator box is also available: it inputs the NMEA 0183 wind data sentence MWV and translates it into NMEA 2000 compliant wind data for connection via a "micro-C" connector directly into an existing NMEA 2000 network.

Why Sailors Trust Clipper Wind Instruments

Clipper instruments are trusted by sailors worldwide for their reliability, clarity, and value — with a complete range of marine electronics including wind systems designed to make time on the water safer and more enjoyable. Clipper's reputation comes from its focus on simplicity and performance, with each instrument built around large, easy-to-read displays, low power consumption, and precise sensors that deliver accurate data in all conditions. NASA Marine Instruments have become known worldwide for manufacturing robust, reliable products that are superb value for money, and all products comply with tough European standards for electromagnetic compatibility.

Whether you're outfitting a daysailer or a bluewater cruiser, browse the full selection of wind speed indicators or explore the complete Clipper instrument range to find the right wind system for your vessel.