• 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.

Crew Dragon Launch Time Weather

Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
The first time USA will launch 2 astronauts from American soil to the Space Station, since Space Shuttle.

Launch time is Scheduled at 4:33 pm EDT, weather permitting.

Two models ECMWF and GFS have different Forecasts. Sailors are presented with differing forecasts like this.

GFS [ NOAA government forecast at 4PM]
GFS.jpeg

Versus

ECMWF [ Called European Model at 4PM]
ECMWF.jpeg

Which one will happen?

One forecast may postpone the launch to another launch window.
_____
NASA is offering a Virtual Launch.
NASA: Virtual Guest

Tune in live...
Jim...
 
Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
Weather window may not hold. Next 30 minutes will tell.

From Nasa @1:50PM
"Mission managers now have to take weather into account; the forecast shows a strong possiblity weather conditions won't allow a launch"

Even Star voyagers need to have weather in their forecast.
ECMFW says maybe. GFS has drizzle but GO!

Jim...
 
Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
NASA trivia and amazing story.

On the first space shuttle orbital flight [4/12/1981], they took an American Flag aboard. That flag was aboard the building of the Space Station.
Then returned to Earth in a special container.
Now aboard this launch is that Flag.
When they connect to the Space Station, the SS will use their real Ships Bell to ring aboard the New Crew members.
That Flag will be Presented again!
Jim...

PS: Ten minutes till propellent loading.
PSS: Upper level winds are a GO!!

PSSS: Live: Launch America — NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 Mission to the International Space Station
 
Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
Wow, they use Liquid Helium to Cool the Liquid Oxygen for maximum second stage tank fuel capacity.

Amazing Technology.:wow3:
Jim...
 
Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
Pilot Hurley has his hands clapsed, left thumb over showing his Analytic brain is in charge now.
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,885
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Indeed... certainly calls for a good cigar and some old very smooth tequila!
Great launch.. it was amazing to see the first stage return safely..
 
Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
some old very smooth tequila!
If you make over here, I have a 30 year old bottle of Tequila Reposada, a gift from my time living in Mexico.
Smooth as silk, spreads gently over your tongue. People who shared the first bottle were amazed.
I will share some with you and any who which to make the trip.;)
Jim...
 
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Feb 14, 2014
7,400
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
The Dragon and Space Station are now docked and doing safety checks prior to opening the hatches.
10.37am EDT.

I can report the local weather there now...

Cold outside, Clear with Sun shine, Low Pressure to remain constant, Apparent winds 0 mph.:pimp:
____
Hatch opening is scheduled for 12:45 PM EDT!!!

Talk about safety checks on the first mate up of these two systems.
Twelve+ hours to check on the mate up security and pressure equalization.

Note: Not even close to backing your boat into a tight slip!

Jim...
 
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May 17, 2004
5,032
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
____
Hatch opening is scheduled for 12:45 PM EDT!!!

Talk about safety checks on the first mate up of these two systems.
Twelve+ hours to check on the mate up security and pressure equalization.

Jim...
They docked around 10:30 AM, and the hatch opening is scheduled for around 12:45 PM. They said it takes about an hour for the “vestibule” to pressurize, plus the time for various checks.


Apparent winds 0 mph.
But they’re going about 15,000 knots, so is that apparent wind, true wind, wind over ground, wind over water, or all of the above? :stir:
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,995
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
So what you are saying "No Stack Pack", quick tie, dash to the club house for a drink, after you dock? o_O

Where is the fun in all of this?:poke:

:biggrin: