How can a sailor determine the direction of the wind?

Determining the direction of the wind can be effectively accomplished by observing the movement of smoke or flags. Smoke rises and drifts with the direction of the wind, while flags are specially designed to indicate wind direction and strength. When smoke is released into the air, observing its trajectory can give a clear indication of where the wind is coming from. Similarly, flags will extend in the direction the wind moves them, providing a visual cue to sailors about the prevailing conditions.

While checking a compass provides important navigation information, it does not indicate wind direction. Feeling the temperature can give a sense of changing weather, but it does not directly inform about wind direction. The use of a wind instrument, while accurate, may not always be readily accessible to every sailor, especially in casual settings. Thus, visually inspecting the environment for signs of wind, such as smoke or flags, is a practical and immediate method for sailors to ascertain wind direction.