Sailing Barometers

The Importance of Sailing Barometers in the Maritime Industry

The word barometer is derived from a combination of two Greek phrases meaning “weight” and “measure”. The roots of modern sailing barometers can be traced as far back as 1643 when an inventor by the name of Evangelista Torricelli used a simple vacuum-type device to measure water pressure.  Although scientists at the time found this “water theory” quite interesting, very few recognised that air was also fluid. Thus, the meteorological applications of this early barometer remained without merit for some time. However, due to the sheer size of this first barometer (thirty-five feet tall), Torricelli found it better to use a liquid heavier than water. Mercury was his first choice. Nonetheless, such a novel invention remained obscure due to claims of heresy and witchcraft.

It was not until 1670 that barometers began to be manufactured for use in the home. While the practical applications and their ability to determine changes in air pressure were clearly recognised, these units were more designed for show than used in the maritime industry. This was also due to the sensitive nature of these early barometers. Not only would the movement of the ship affect their ability to correctly measure air pressure, but other extremes such as heat, cold and moisture would damage them.

However, it would still be another two hundred years before sailing barometers would find their spot aboard a ship. The first recorded application of their benefits took place when Admiral Fitzroy (coincidentally, the captain of The Beagle) began to experiment with previous barometers and make his own adjustments. As he was quite skilled in the art of seafaring, he quickly realised that the device could be used to anticipate weather that may be just over the horizon. Both the English and the French took a keen interest in the potential applications of such sailing barometers. Eventually, the mercury was replaced with a metal vacuum tube; thus allowing these new barometers to be fitted safely onto ships.

In modern times, their importance cannot be overstated. While electronic instruments can occasionally fail and radar is susceptible to a variety of conditions, maritime barometers are still quite reliable. They will warn a vessel of the weather that can be expected in the near future. In cases when a hurricane or a tropical storm is approaching, the large drop in pressure can signify the need to change course; potentially saving lives. These are some of the primary reasons why sailing barometers continue to play a pronounced role in the maritime industry.

A twenty-first-century update to the barometer can be found in various barometer apps.  These use the pressure sensor that is present in some smartphones.  If there is no pressure sensor in the phone they will use the GPS function to import data from the nearest meteorological station.  I use Barometer & Altimeter Pro.

Photo Credit: ell brown via Compfight cc

Related Articles: Shipping Forecast, Robert Fitzroy, Sextants

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