Having the right weather resources aboard your boat can make all the difference between an enjoyable passage or a harrowing story to be told later. And those resources continue to get better. Recent emhancements to weather forecasting and equipment have made getting stuck in bad weather considerably harder to do.
“Improvement in forecasting over the last few years has been great,” said Jason Cordeira, an atmospheric scientist with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. “The models get better and better, to the point where we’re forecasting out five to seven days now, whereas it was only three to five days a few years ago.”
Improvements have come because the number of data collection points – ocean, buoys, ships and satellites – has increased, allowing for finer resolution on weather models. Also, computers compute ever faster, allowing the speed of the forecaster to increase. And modern computers can compute using multiple models today, whereas in the past they worked on one. “The more you know, the better the science is and the better models you make,” said Cordeira. “I think the ability to acquire this information has improved greatly over the last five years.”
Following is a partial list of weather resources available to ocean-going yachts, starting with equipment.
VHF radio: This reliable standby, in addition to connecting coastal boats in a big web of communication – and all these boats to help when in distress – receives weather forecasts from the National Weather Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in any locale of the U.S.
VHF radios typically transmit about 30 miles, depending on factors like the strength of the radio, antenna height and atmospheric conditions. When using repeaters or high-powered transmitters, VHF radios can transmit hundreds of miles. VHF radios are the backbone of coastal communication. Further out to sea, they go silent.
Single sideband radio:
Another reliable standby of ocean-going boats, SSB radios can tune into many marine weather broadcasts. SSB radios with the right equipment can also receive weather fax transmissions, a method of transmitting weather charts and satellite images over radio frequencies. Some SSB radios can also receive Navtex broadcasts, which include maritime safety information, weather forecasts, navigational warnings and search-and-rescue information. In good conditions, SSB radios can communicate over thousands of miles. But once again, the range varies depending on factors like transmitter power, antenna height and atmospheric conditions.
Satellite communications:
A satellite communication system gives access to weather data while far away from cell phone towers, as it connects to satellites orbiting Earth. These systems can provide access to weather information via satellite phones, satellite internet or satellite-based messaging services.
Radar systems:
You won’t find many ocean-going boats without a radar. In addition to seeing through the rain and into the distance, these systems also detect storms, rain showers and squalls. Doppler radar systems can provide valuable information about the intensity and movement of precipitation.
AIS (automatic identification system):
Some AIS systems, in addition to identifying and locating vessels, also can provide access to weather data and forecasts.
So much for how you get the weather data. An equally important question is where you get it from.
Weather forecasting services:
You must admit, it’s nice having your own private adviser on important matters in sailing, such as whether to reef or shake out sails or whether to set off across 1,000 miles of open ocean during hurricane season (Short answer: No). Weather forecasting services provide forecasts for your own personal trek through the vicissitudes of the long passage.
They come in both free and subscription-based varieties, providing forecasts tailored to the specific region and time frame of a boat’s voyage. They include information on wind speed and direction, wave height, atmospheric pressure, precipitation and other relevant weather parameters. Many of these services also provide prospective routes around bad weather by analyzing data like wind patterns, currents and vessel characteristics. They aim to minimize fuel consumption, maximize speed, and ensure the safety and comfort of crew and passengers. Following is a list of weather services:
•PredictWind offers personalized weather forecasts for sailors based on their vessel’s location and intended route. Users can input their boat’s characteristics, such as length, weight and sail configuration, to receive customized wind, wave and weather predictions tailored to their specific needs.
•SailTimer Weather Routing provides personalized weather forecasts and route optimization for sailors. It takes into account the unique performance characteristics of each vessel, such as sail area, hull shape and speed polars, to recommend the most efficient route based on forecast weather conditions.
•SailGrib WR (Weather Routing) is a navigation app offering personalized routing services for offshore sailors. It considers such factors as vessel speed, course and fuel consumption to generate customized route recommendations based on real-time weather forecasts and ocean conditions.
•Windfinder Pro is a weather forecasting service that offers personalized predictions for sailors and windsurfers. Users can specify their location, sailing area and vessel characteristics to receive customized wind and weather forecasts tailored to their needs.
•SailRoute is a weather routing service that provides customized route recommendations for sailors based on weather forecasts and vessel characteristics. It considers factors such as wind speed, direction, sea state and vessel performance to suggest the safest and most efficient course.
•BWR Weather Routing is a service provided by BWR Navigation offering customized routing solutions for sailors. It considers meteorological data, vessel characteristics and route objectives to recommend the safest and most efficient course.
•Squid Sailing is a service used by sailors and racing teams worldwide. It combines advanced weather models with performance analysis to generate optimized routes tailored to each vessel’s characteristics and the specific goals of the voyage or race.
•GRIB (gridded binary) viewer software files contain weather data in a compact binary format. Various software applications can read and display GRIB files, allowing sailors to analyze weather patterns, wind speeds, wave heights and other relevant data. Examples include ZyGrib, OpenCPN with GRIB Plugin and ZyGrib.
•The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ocean data viewer provides various tools and datasets for weather and ocean data visualization. Sailors can access NOAA’s weather charts, forecasts and oceanographic data through web-based viewers or dedicated software applications.
•MaxSea TimeZero is navigation software that integrates weather forecasting tools. It allows sailors to overlay weather data onto electronic charts, providing a visual representation of weather conditions along their intended route.
•Expedition navigation software is a comprehensive package used by professional sailors and racing teams. It includes features for weather routing, performance analysis and tactical decision-making based on real-time weather data.
•Windy is a popular weather visualization tool that displays global weather patterns using animated maps. You can use Windy to track wind speeds, direction and other meteorological variables relevant to your voyage.
Satellite-based weather services:
These weather information systems bring you the weather from far outside Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. They require a dedicated receiver tied to your navigation system. You can purchase the receivers from any big marine electronics manufacturer. They also require a subscription.
•Inmarsat-C is a satellite communication system commonly used by ocean-going yachts for text-based messaging and weather information services. It enables sailors to receive weather forecasts, updates and alerts while offshore.
•Iridium offers satellite-based weather services, including forecasts, oceanographic data and weather routing solutions, through its global satellite network. Yachts equipped with Iridium satellite phones or terminals can access these services for up-to-date weather information. The Iridium GO! is a satellite-based communication device that also offers weather services.
•OCENS WeatherNet offers satellite-based weather services for sailors, including weather forecasts, GRIB file downloads and route planning tools. Yachts equipped with satellite communication devices can access OCENS WeatherNet to receive weather updates and optimize their routes.
•Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS): GMDSS utilizes satellite communication and navigation systems to provide safety-related information, including weather forecasts, navigation warnings and distress alerts, to vessels at sea. Ocean-going yachts equipped with GMDSS-compliant equipment can access weather information via satellite communications.
•Navtex is a satellite-based system used to broadcast maritime safety information, including weather forecasts and warnings, to vessels at sea. Yachts equipped with Navtex receivers can receive weather updates and navigational information via satellite communications.