Lowest wind speed for sailing

Does anyone have thoughts or opinions about the lightest wind that would still permit sailing. I just bought a new H16, and I want to spend some time on the water in very calm conditions. I'll be using my Hobie on a lake, so there is no current or waves. I don't care about going fast right now. I just want to learn how to use the boat.

We had terrific sailing winds over the holiday weekend, and now that I have the boat, the winds are basically nil. So, how much wind do I need?

You will love this for an indirect answer: depends on the conditions. Is there a current or tide - then you need enough wind to counteract them. Is there a lot of power boat/jet ski traffic - then you would need enough not to be a bouncing bob (unless you like that sort of thing). Otherwise, as long as you have a paddle and don't care how fast you go, the windless sky and your paddling ability is the limit.
P.S. For real light wind tie cassette tape to your bridle and shrouds. It will give you wind direction even in the lightest breezes.

0 to 1 mph.

If there is wind, any wind, you can sail. It might not be very exciting, but it is still sailing. If the lake is calm and you stay still on the boat, it's amazing how little wind it takes to make the boat move. Sailing proficiently in very light wind is one of the true tests of a sailor's skill, it can be more difficult than sailing in high wind.

Realistically speaking for a new sailor, about 5 to 10mph is the perfect windspeed to get a feel for the boat.

sm

+1

Anything lower than 5 mph and it's just too unstable. You'll get frustrated because the wind won't be from a consistent direction, making it much harder to sail, especially upwind.

Over 10 mph, the boat you'll need to have the crew start trapezing to hold the boat down.