• Sailing is all about the Weather.

    Big into the exploration of Atlantic Hurricanes since Katrina came uninvited into his world, James (Jim) Gurley (JamesG161) has followed every Tropical Storm birthed in Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean waters since. Being a boater, he knows that we often need more time to prepare than we get from the TV weather folk. Jim relies on the science of storm development to share early warning info with friends and fellow boaters.

    Early in 2018, Jim and John Shepard, (JSSailem) started to chat about the weather data available. John asked Jim to help forecast Pacific NW storms, and this morphed into discussions on weather forecasting.

    For John, sailing in the PNW is sometimes hit and miss. One day is ugly, then a string of beautiful days but no wind, followed by a series of blue-sky days and 12 knot breezes. Being ready for those great sailing days means you need to look to the Pacific Ocean and what is brewing. John has been into Pacific NW Weather since the 1970’s when his first PNW November storm hit bringing more than 40 days and 40 nights of continual rain.

    Together we want to share information, new APPs, safety, and thoughts about letting the weather help you. Identify some of the resources for sailors and help prepare you for your next sailboat outing.

    It is far better to go out on the water knowing what to expect in weather terms, than to be out on the water and see dark ominous clouds suddenly appear, unprepared.

Heavy Winter Sailing.

jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,719
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
It is not a usual approach for most boat owners. Many have nor will they experience (intentionally) sailing in 40 knot breezes. They have never considered setting their boat up to experience these conditions. The Brits (tough sailors) at Yachting Monthly go through the setup to enable your boat to safely survive such conditions.

Take a look and see what a weather gale might expose you and your boat to experience.

I love the last statement made in this video. You've got to go out in these conditions and test your equipment.
"It is the only way you will know if your plans and equipment will really work!":biggrin:
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,719
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
The spokesman mentions "Force 10" winds. It is a way of identifying the level of wind and storm conditions experienced on the water.
The video was filmed in Force 8 conditions. 34-40 knots

It refers to the Beaufort Scale.
Images and an explanation are provided on Wikipedia.
 
kappykaplan

kappykaplan

.
May 1, 2011
5,530
Pearson 37 Lusby MD
I was in a 990 millibar low off the east coast of England in a 55' sailboat a lifetime ago. We had three reefs in the main and the cutter rig set with a storm jib. It was a very rough ride - only the second time I've ever been seasick. :beer:
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,719
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
990 millibars. That is a strong storm low.

I liked how the video reviews the process of securing the cabin before leaving the slip. I have lost count of how many trips I’ve made to the cabin looking about, removing stuff sitting on the table/nav station/stowed on a shelf or the kitchen counter before a storm or blustery wind picks up. And even then, when gusty conditions occur it seems something manages to leap out of its stored space and launch itself across the cabin.

Reminds me of the mantra

Everything had a place! Store it there!
 
shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
8,085
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
It was a good video. I wish it was in English :biggrin:.
It would be improved, I think, by highlighting that the Trysail allows jibes without the danger of the rig coming down. I think that it is boom-less is it's best feature.
There should be a foot note that cruising sailors would generally sail off the wind in those conditions. I recognize there are exceptions. But it is brutal to bash into large waves. And it's a gear buster.
I have limited off shore experience so I'd be interested in what those with more experience have to say.
 
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