An Inside Look at Clouds

By Mark Stevens

Photos By Sharon Matthews-Stevens

In her hit song Both Sides Now (1966), Canadian-born singer Joni Mitchell wrote (and sang) that she’d “looked at clouds from both sides,” admitting that “I really don’t know clouds at all”.

Perfectly acceptable admission if you’re a pop star. However, for boaters,  a lack of cloud understanding could mean the difference between a leisurely afternoon cruise and a mayday call.

Mitchell mostly recalled “clouds’ illusions,” but if you’re a boater, an ability to read clouds can help you identify impending weather, decide how long you have before it arrives and even predict how bad it could get. An understanding of clouds might even translate to line honours on race night.

No illusions here.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article FREE in the digital version of Canadian Boating May 2026

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