Times of the Islands Spring 2019

Wind has always been a critical factor throughout the
Turks & Caicos Islands. Wind played a part in trade and
commerce beginning in the late 1600s with Salt Cay’s
salt industry development. Settlers were dependent on
bright sun and consistent winds to help evaporate water
and brine out of the salinas so salt could be harvested for
export for more than 250 years.
During the same period (prior to the invention of the
boat engine), ships set sail on the wind. Massive sails
were employed by all vessels sailing to other regions
of the world to trade products and sell goods. Without
the consistent wind belts around the globe, none of this
would have been possible. Even today, wind has a significant
impact on the everyday lives of Belongers, their
businesses and tourism in general.
Despite technological advances—GPS, weather monitoring
equipment and powerful engines—boats still
remain at the mercy of the winds. Steady breezes create
swells on the seas and oceans of the world. However,
once winds increase to over 20 mph, seas will begin to
swell with regular wave action. The higher the winds, the
higher the swells will be. Think of the wind as a giant bulldozer.
As winds cruise over the open ocean, they interact
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with the surface water via frictional effects. As wind hits
the water, it “pushes” water in one direction. As the wind
picks up, this effect gets stronger and causes water to
pile up, like dirt does when being bulldozed. This interaction
continues until the weight of the surface water is
unable to sustain its height in relation to the wind flow
and it falls, causing waves to form. As winds approach 30
mph and higher, swells on the sea become hazardous to
small watercraft, such as the boats that operate snorkel
tours and the ferry that transports patrons to and from
the outer islands. From a commerce perspective, wind
can cost companies quite a bit of revenue when speeds
get too high.
Wind is also a blessing. Turks & Caicos is known
worldwide as a kitesurfing destination. Thanks to the
consistency of the winds that flow across the Islands, this
creates the ideal environment for this sport. Long Bay
Beach enjoys some of the best breezes the country has
to offer and the tradewinds are why this area has become
a mecca for professional kitesurfers and novices alike.
The Islands’ winds help keep life more comfortable.
Many homes and businesses, especially on the outer
islands, do not have air conditioning. These areas heavily
depend on the daily breezes to cool their homes in the
summertime and to maintain comfortable temperatures
throughout the year. If you have ever spent a day on the
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