to believe that wind is better at drying clothes outdoors than the sun?

[WombleDing]

As above really. It's something my dad told me when I was about 12 and I never questioned it. Mentioned it in passing to dh the other day when we were discussing optimum washing line positioning (as you do); he was incredulous and has been ribbing me mercilessly ever since. Is this one of those parent stitch-ups? If so, props to my dad - I'm now 39!

Erm it drys it but the sun is quicker. If we are in Greece at in laws washing dries outside in the sun in summer with no wind in 30mins

nope not a stitch up. wind increases the evaporation around the clothes

Sun is quicker but wind makes it much softer and nicer, bright windy day is washing heaven. I have a tiny super sheltered terrace courtyard and in hot weather the washing just bakes to a crisp.

rate of drying will depend on temperature, humidity, and speed of air movement

Wind and Sun are both good at drying. And as Gobblers mentions, bright windy days are ace for drying.
I agree that wind dried stuff is nicer.

I find in the UK that wind is quicker than sun. It is quicker if it is absolutely baking but given we don't live in the Med and we have baking hot days on what - less than 5% of the year? - then I would still got for wind. And agree, wind is much softer and smells nicer.

You need both really, IMO. When I bring wind dried washing in thinking it's dry, it often isn't and then it smells musty. A bit of warm sun and wind is the perfect combo I reckon!

Wind AND sun is the golden combo!

The sun dries it and the wind irons it

My clothes dry faster on a still warm day than a windy cold day.