What Are Lodos and Poyraz?
The warm, lively south-westerly lodos and the hard, dry north-easterly poyraz - two defining winds of the Turkish coast, and two very different preparation lists.
At sea, the question is not simply 'how many knots of wind'; the real question is 'from which direction'. The same wind strength can decide which bay is tenable and which berth is safe, depending on where it comes from. On the Turkish coast, the two main characters are lodos and poyraz.
The table below sets out the main winds by direction and character. In Göcek winter, the real test is lodos: wave build-up on south-facing berths, fender crushing and lines parting are often the business of a lodos day.
Winds of the Aegean
Wind | Direction it comes from | Character | Effect in Göcek |
|---|---|---|---|
Lodos | South-west | Warm, humid, a sign of low pressure | Big swell on exposed southern spots, the main winter threat |
Poyraz | North-east | Dry, cool, hard and gusty | Little wave action in the marina, but sharp gusts at sea |
Keşişleme | South-east | Hot, oppressive | Usually short-lived, and may swing round to lodos |
Karayel | North-west | Cold, hard | Sudden and strong, especially in winter transitions |
Soluğan should also be understood: the lodos swell that continues for hours after the wind has dropped. It can put back the decision to say 'the wind has eased, let's go out'.
The winter routine for a boat owner on a mooring
When forecasts show the south-westerly sector (lodos, keşişleme), bring forward your fender and line check.
A berth that looks lovely in settled weather, but faces south, is the first place to give up when a lodos warning is issued.
When planning a route, the only question is: is this bay, tonight, sheltered against this DIRECTION?