Well, yesterday was my first trip out in our Catalina 30. By the way, also only my THIRD trip in a sailboat EVER. I was quite surprised to see how much wind we had with extremely clear skies. We heeled over quite a bit and it was a little unnerving for me (hello, third sail EVER; first on our boat). Is there any literature, website, book, magazine or anything to help the amateur first mate read the sky and predict the conditions. We couldn't get a noaa report from our marina office yesterday because their computers were down. Thanks again. P.S. Sorry for asking all the dumb questions that a wife would ask!
Suggestions for how to read the sky
- Thread starter gr8nurs1271
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Each region has unique weather patterns...
Some of the following tips might apply to your area, but are specific to the PNW. It was compiled from a book by Jeff Renner, a local meteorologist. Hope this helps. Pacific Northwest Weather Tips · If you stand with your back to the wind, low pressure will be to your left. · In the PNW, steering currents move surface weather systems from W to E. · If the low is generally to the W of your position, it is likely moving toward you. · Surface winds from the N or NW, fair weather likely. · Surface winds switching to E or SE, a weather disturbance is approaching. · Expect winds to change to SW or W with the passage of a front. · Surface winds switching from E or SE to W, expect brief clearing, but be prepared for the possibility of showers or thundershowers. · Pressure change over a three hour period: o .6 - 1.2mb. No action. Monitor sky, wind directions and speed. o 1.2 - 1.8mb. Watch sky carefully for thickening, lowering clouds. Is the wind increasing, shifting to E or SE? o 1.8 - 2.4mb. Same as above. Consider finding safe harbor due to possibility of high winds. o 2.4 - 5.9mb. Seek safe harbor immediately. Gale force winds likely. o 6.0 - >6.0mb. Storm force winds likely. Seek safe harbor immediately. · When cold air sinks, air pressure increases, and decreases when warm air rises. · Air generally moves from an area of high pressure to one of low pressure. · When air cannot hold any additional water vapor, it is saturated, or dew point. · The dew point is always equal to or cooler than the air temperature. · As air cools, its capacity to hold water vapor is reduced. That which spills out condenses into a cloud of water droplets. · Clues to a warm front: o Look for approaching clouds from the SW, W or NW. o Look for flat, sheet like stratus clouds. o Look for thickening, lowering clouds. o Look for surface winds from E to SE. o Look for a gradual decrease in air pressure. o Look for an increase in air temperature after warm front passes. · Clues to cold front: o Look for clouds to thicken, lower, merge and darken. o Look for winds to increase, usually E or SE. o Look for drop in pressure, usually rapid, then rises after cold front passes. · Radiation fog: o Moist ground from rain/melting snow, warm water. o Clearing that allows overnight cooling, late autumn early spring. o Light winds. · Advection fog: o Hot weather east of the Cascades. o Cooling temperatures and fog moving northward along coast. o Air pressure at least 2mb higher at Astoria. o Strong westerly winds. o Wind shift N or NE to S or SE. . Warm frontal fog: o Lower thickening stratus clouds. o Light E or SE winds. o Steady precipitation. o Small shredded or torn clouds close to the ground. · Sea fog: o N or NW coast winds. o Two to three days of wind minimum. o Velocities less than 25 knots. o July through October. · Steam fog: o Clearing overnight. o Light winds. o Air temperature cools to below surface water temperature. o Autumn and early winter months. · A wind shift from N or NE to SE signals an approaching low. · A shift from SE to SW signals the passing of a low. · A shift from SW to N usually indicates a building high pressure system. · Weather plan two days before trip: o Check overall weather pattern. o Check projected weather next two days. · One day before trip: o Check current weather to evaluate accuracy of previous day’s forecast. o Check overall weather pattern. o Check projected weather for next two days. o If high winds, thunderstorms possible, check updates every six to eight hours. · Day of trip: o Check current weather to evaluate previous day’s forecast. o Check projected weather for trip. o Make go/no go decision based upon current forecast, the track record of earlier forecasts, your personal experience, experience and comfort level of your crew, and the capabilities of your vessel.
Some of the following tips might apply to your area, but are specific to the PNW. It was compiled from a book by Jeff Renner, a local meteorologist. Hope this helps. Pacific Northwest Weather Tips · If you stand with your back to the wind, low pressure will be to your left. · In the PNW, steering currents move surface weather systems from W to E. · If the low is generally to the W of your position, it is likely moving toward you. · Surface winds from the N or NW, fair weather likely. · Surface winds switching to E or SE, a weather disturbance is approaching. · Expect winds to change to SW or W with the passage of a front. · Surface winds switching from E or SE to W, expect brief clearing, but be prepared for the possibility of showers or thundershowers. · Pressure change over a three hour period: o .6 - 1.2mb. No action. Monitor sky, wind directions and speed. o 1.2 - 1.8mb. Watch sky carefully for thickening, lowering clouds. Is the wind increasing, shifting to E or SE? o 1.8 - 2.4mb. Same as above. Consider finding safe harbor due to possibility of high winds. o 2.4 - 5.9mb. Seek safe harbor immediately. Gale force winds likely. o 6.0 - >6.0mb. Storm force winds likely. Seek safe harbor immediately. · When cold air sinks, air pressure increases, and decreases when warm air rises. · Air generally moves from an area of high pressure to one of low pressure. · When air cannot hold any additional water vapor, it is saturated, or dew point. · The dew point is always equal to or cooler than the air temperature. · As air cools, its capacity to hold water vapor is reduced. That which spills out condenses into a cloud of water droplets. · Clues to a warm front: o Look for approaching clouds from the SW, W or NW. o Look for flat, sheet like stratus clouds. o Look for thickening, lowering clouds. o Look for surface winds from E to SE. o Look for a gradual decrease in air pressure. o Look for an increase in air temperature after warm front passes. · Clues to cold front: o Look for clouds to thicken, lower, merge and darken. o Look for winds to increase, usually E or SE. o Look for drop in pressure, usually rapid, then rises after cold front passes. · Radiation fog: o Moist ground from rain/melting snow, warm water. o Clearing that allows overnight cooling, late autumn early spring. o Light winds. · Advection fog: o Hot weather east of the Cascades. o Cooling temperatures and fog moving northward along coast. o Air pressure at least 2mb higher at Astoria. o Strong westerly winds. o Wind shift N or NE to S or SE. . Warm frontal fog: o Lower thickening stratus clouds. o Light E or SE winds. o Steady precipitation. o Small shredded or torn clouds close to the ground. · Sea fog: o N or NW coast winds. o Two to three days of wind minimum. o Velocities less than 25 knots. o July through October. · Steam fog: o Clearing overnight. o Light winds. o Air temperature cools to below surface water temperature. o Autumn and early winter months. · A wind shift from N or NE to SE signals an approaching low. · A shift from SE to SW signals the passing of a low. · A shift from SW to N usually indicates a building high pressure system. · Weather plan two days before trip: o Check overall weather pattern. o Check projected weather next two days. · One day before trip: o Check current weather to evaluate accuracy of previous day’s forecast. o Check overall weather pattern. o Check projected weather for next two days. o If high winds, thunderstorms possible, check updates every six to eight hours. · Day of trip: o Check current weather to evaluate previous day’s forecast. o Check projected weather for trip. o Make go/no go decision based upon current forecast, the track record of earlier forecasts, your personal experience, experience and comfort level of your crew, and the capabilities of your vessel.
VHF
Your VHF radio has four weather channels. One of them should be clear enough for you to listen to prior to going out sailing. You will hear current weather and future predictions. Good luck.
Your VHF radio has four weather channels. One of them should be clear enough for you to listen to prior to going out sailing. You will hear current weather and future predictions. Good luck.
Good for you; always more to learn
Check the thread way down this page called "weather or not"; it has a number of good web sites to check the weather before you go out. One thing of which you should be aware: the power of the wind increases as the square of its speed. A 10 knot breeze is 4 times as powerful as 5 knots, and 20 is four times as powerful as 10. Second thing: Heeling is alarming for inexperienced sailors, but your boat will not capsize except in really extraordinary circumstances. Third thing: All experienced sailors know the rule "When in doubt, let it out". Don't be reluctant to ease off on your sheets, or furl up some head sail. Flat boats sail faster and better than ones that are excessively healed. Enjoy your new boat; this site has lots of people who have been around and can help.
Check the thread way down this page called "weather or not"; it has a number of good web sites to check the weather before you go out. One thing of which you should be aware: the power of the wind increases as the square of its speed. A 10 knot breeze is 4 times as powerful as 5 knots, and 20 is four times as powerful as 10. Second thing: Heeling is alarming for inexperienced sailors, but your boat will not capsize except in really extraordinary circumstances. Third thing: All experienced sailors know the rule "When in doubt, let it out". Don't be reluctant to ease off on your sheets, or furl up some head sail. Flat boats sail faster and better than ones that are excessively healed. Enjoy your new boat; this site has lots of people who have been around and can help.
Weather
You should also learn about the difference between actual wind and apparent wind. What you feel, and what drives and heels the boat is apparent wind. In simple terms, if the wind is from the north at 10 knots and you are going south at 5 knots, the wind will only feel like its at 5 knots (wind speed minus boat speed). If you turn around and were to head directly into the wind (you can't under sail, but its easier to illustrate) the wind will feel like 15 knots. most sailing books will explain how this works in detail. What it means is that your motion will also be important in determining the apparent wind. You also want to learn how to reduce heel, by moving the traveler and reefing to reduce sail area.
You should also learn about the difference between actual wind and apparent wind. What you feel, and what drives and heels the boat is apparent wind. In simple terms, if the wind is from the north at 10 knots and you are going south at 5 knots, the wind will only feel like its at 5 knots (wind speed minus boat speed). If you turn around and were to head directly into the wind (you can't under sail, but its easier to illustrate) the wind will feel like 15 knots. most sailing books will explain how this works in detail. What it means is that your motion will also be important in determining the apparent wind. You also want to learn how to reduce heel, by moving the traveler and reefing to reduce sail area.
Local weather
Careful with that PS. *yks You should always check a weather report before you go out. If you can't get your NOAA report, tune into your local radio station or watch the Weather Channel. While those reports may be less detailed/marine-focused, they will give you at least an idea of what you can expect. And like Paul suggested, check one of the weather channels on your VHF. You're right to want to learn to read the conditions as well, though, because unexpected, very localized systems can develop without warning. I was out on Nantucket Sound a few years ago (this is one time I'll say I was glad not to be sailing) when a strong squall line blew through. It wasn't until 15 minutes after the fact that NOAA broadcast the warning. Good luck with your new boat!
Careful with that PS. *yks You should always check a weather report before you go out. If you can't get your NOAA report, tune into your local radio station or watch the Weather Channel. While those reports may be less detailed/marine-focused, they will give you at least an idea of what you can expect. And like Paul suggested, check one of the weather channels on your VHF. You're right to want to learn to read the conditions as well, though, because unexpected, very localized systems can develop without warning. I was out on Nantucket Sound a few years ago (this is one time I'll say I was glad not to be sailing) when a strong squall line blew through. It wasn't until 15 minutes after the fact that NOAA broadcast the warning. Good luck with your new boat!
Train your "weather Eye"
Sound like you are on the right track. The very best weather forecaster is YOU. Those professional weather forecasters are wrong at least 50% of the time. So get out on the water and keep a weather eye out. As David said, there is not much you can do to get your keel boat to capsize. You can get the stuff inside to fly around pretty good however so learn how to "batten down the hatches" in short order so you don't have a mess to clean up. For the record oatmeal boxes comming open and water entering the cabin is the worst combo.
Sound like you are on the right track. The very best weather forecaster is YOU. Those professional weather forecasters are wrong at least 50% of the time. So get out on the water and keep a weather eye out. As David said, there is not much you can do to get your keel boat to capsize. You can get the stuff inside to fly around pretty good however so learn how to "batten down the hatches" in short order so you don't have a mess to clean up. For the record oatmeal boxes comming open and water entering the cabin is the worst combo.
Weather
In my part of the country, you can check all the NOAA data, aviation weather data, weather channel information, local radio/tv...and it will still change. There is no substitute for keeping a sharp eye on local conditions when out on the water.
In my part of the country, you can check all the NOAA data, aviation weather data, weather channel information, local radio/tv...and it will still change. There is no substitute for keeping a sharp eye on local conditions when out on the water.
Heeling
Congrats on the C30 & there are no dumb questions. The heeling takes a little time to get used to & seems to bother women more then men. You'll get used to it. I've found that I prefer to be at the helm or doing something (other than just being a passenger) when things get "exciting". You may want to take a weekend sailing class to better understand how the boat works. It's a lot more fun to be an active part of sailing the boat (at the helm or trimming the sails) rather than just a passenger. I ALWAYS check the NOAA forecast before I go out - its available on the VHF radio as well as online. It also helps to know local weather conditions - here on the Chesapeake the wind often picks up late on summer afternoons because of the on-shore warming. If you're not sure about the winds go ahead a put in a reef before you leave the dock - its always easier to shake out a reef than put one in.
Congrats on the C30 & there are no dumb questions. The heeling takes a little time to get used to & seems to bother women more then men. You'll get used to it. I've found that I prefer to be at the helm or doing something (other than just being a passenger) when things get "exciting". You may want to take a weekend sailing class to better understand how the boat works. It's a lot more fun to be an active part of sailing the boat (at the helm or trimming the sails) rather than just a passenger. I ALWAYS check the NOAA forecast before I go out - its available on the VHF radio as well as online. It also helps to know local weather conditions - here on the Chesapeake the wind often picks up late on summer afternoons because of the on-shore warming. If you're not sure about the winds go ahead a put in a reef before you leave the dock - its always easier to shake out a reef than put one in.
Heeling II
One of the reasons that it appears that women dislike heeling more than men do is that men rarely, especially with new boats, allow the women to drive. The amount of "control" a person feels usually is proportional to their comfort factor. If skippers would let their admirals drive more, I'd bet there'd be less "help I hate heeling" conversations. With sails set properly (full or reefed, depending on conditions) almost ALL boats will find that "sweet spot" going upwind, where the boat almost steers itself, there is NO heavy pressure on the helm, and the boat IS heeling. Once you find that, and allow people who hate heeling the experience of steering when these conditions exist, you may end up with MUCH happier boat-mates.
One of the reasons that it appears that women dislike heeling more than men do is that men rarely, especially with new boats, allow the women to drive. The amount of "control" a person feels usually is proportional to their comfort factor. If skippers would let their admirals drive more, I'd bet there'd be less "help I hate heeling" conversations. With sails set properly (full or reefed, depending on conditions) almost ALL boats will find that "sweet spot" going upwind, where the boat almost steers itself, there is NO heavy pressure on the helm, and the boat IS heeling. Once you find that, and allow people who hate heeling the experience of steering when these conditions exist, you may end up with MUCH happier boat-mates.
General Weather Indicators
Some General Weather Indicators: Deteriorating Weather Indicators: * Clouds lowering and thickening, ceiling lowers * Puffy clouds begin to develop vertically and darken * Sky is dark and threatening to the West * Clouds increasing in numbers, moving rapidly across the sky * Clouds at different heights moving in different directions * Clouds moving from East or Northeast towards the South * Heavy rain occurring at night * Barometer falling steadily or rapidly * Smoke from stacks lowers * Static on AM radio * Wind shifting North to East and possibly through East to South * There is a ring (halo) around the moon * If on land, leaves that grow according to prevailing winds turn over and show their backs * Strong wind and/or a red sky in the morning * Temperature far above or below normal for the time of year Impending Strong Winds Weather Indicators: * Light, scattered clouds alone in a clear sky * Sharp, clearly defined edges to clouds * Yellow sunset * Unusually bright stars * Major changes in the temperature Impending Precipitation Weather Indicators: * Distant objects seem to stand above the horizon * Sounds are very clear and can be heard for great distances * Transparent veil-like cirrus clouds thicken, ceiling lowers * Hazy and sticky air. Rain may occur in 18-36 hours * Halo around the sun or moon * Increasing South wind with clouds moving from the West * Wind (especially North wind) shifting to West and then South * Steadily falling barometer * Pale sunset * Red sky to the West at dawn * No dew after a hot day Clearing Weather Indicators: * Cloud bases rise * Smoke from stacks rise * Wind shifts to West, especially from East through South * Barometer rises quickly * A cold front has passed in the past 4 to 7 hours * Gray early morning sky shows signs of clearing * Morning fog or dew * Rain stopping and clouds breaking away at sunset Continuing Fair Weather Indicators: * Early morning fog that clears * Gentle wind from the West or Northwest * Barometer steady or rising slightly * Red sky to East with clear sky to the West at sunset * Bright moon and light breeze at night * Heavy dew or frost * Clear blue morning sky to West * Clouds dot the afternoon summer sky
Some General Weather Indicators: Deteriorating Weather Indicators: * Clouds lowering and thickening, ceiling lowers * Puffy clouds begin to develop vertically and darken * Sky is dark and threatening to the West * Clouds increasing in numbers, moving rapidly across the sky * Clouds at different heights moving in different directions * Clouds moving from East or Northeast towards the South * Heavy rain occurring at night * Barometer falling steadily or rapidly * Smoke from stacks lowers * Static on AM radio * Wind shifting North to East and possibly through East to South * There is a ring (halo) around the moon * If on land, leaves that grow according to prevailing winds turn over and show their backs * Strong wind and/or a red sky in the morning * Temperature far above or below normal for the time of year Impending Strong Winds Weather Indicators: * Light, scattered clouds alone in a clear sky * Sharp, clearly defined edges to clouds * Yellow sunset * Unusually bright stars * Major changes in the temperature Impending Precipitation Weather Indicators: * Distant objects seem to stand above the horizon * Sounds are very clear and can be heard for great distances * Transparent veil-like cirrus clouds thicken, ceiling lowers * Hazy and sticky air. Rain may occur in 18-36 hours * Halo around the sun or moon * Increasing South wind with clouds moving from the West * Wind (especially North wind) shifting to West and then South * Steadily falling barometer * Pale sunset * Red sky to the West at dawn * No dew after a hot day Clearing Weather Indicators: * Cloud bases rise * Smoke from stacks rise * Wind shifts to West, especially from East through South * Barometer rises quickly * A cold front has passed in the past 4 to 7 hours * Gray early morning sky shows signs of clearing * Morning fog or dew * Rain stopping and clouds breaking away at sunset Continuing Fair Weather Indicators: * Early morning fog that clears * Gentle wind from the West or Northwest * Barometer steady or rising slightly * Red sky to East with clear sky to the West at sunset * Bright moon and light breeze at night * Heavy dew or frost * Clear blue morning sky to West * Clouds dot the afternoon summer sky
Teaching yourself
There are a couple of basic facts that can be applied when you are examining the weather charts that can help you understand the wind. 1) Low pressure systems north of the equator draw in air counter-clockwise (think of the hurricane pictures you see) but rarely a perfect circle like tropical storms. High pressure systems north of the equator push air out in a clockwise direction. So, lows are sucking and highs are pushing and they work together in the big picture. 2) The wind increases speed as it travels. Near the center of the high pressure system, the wind speed is going to be low. Near the center of a low pressure system, the wind speed is going to be high. To SEE how these work, you need a BIG picture type of chart that shows the wind direction and low and high pressure systems. When I say big picture, I mean like all of the US, Gulf, and Canada because all of these pressure systems work together. As these pressure systems move, the wind moves with it. I think where the predictions are wrong is the speed in which the systems are moving and the exact direction. Prediction is very hard but becomes easier with experience of the local area and watching the systems. It's actually kind of fun to look at the charts and say "I bet ... is going to happen" and then come back the next day or two and see what really happened.
There are a couple of basic facts that can be applied when you are examining the weather charts that can help you understand the wind. 1) Low pressure systems north of the equator draw in air counter-clockwise (think of the hurricane pictures you see) but rarely a perfect circle like tropical storms. High pressure systems north of the equator push air out in a clockwise direction. So, lows are sucking and highs are pushing and they work together in the big picture. 2) The wind increases speed as it travels. Near the center of the high pressure system, the wind speed is going to be low. Near the center of a low pressure system, the wind speed is going to be high. To SEE how these work, you need a BIG picture type of chart that shows the wind direction and low and high pressure systems. When I say big picture, I mean like all of the US, Gulf, and Canada because all of these pressure systems work together. As these pressure systems move, the wind moves with it. I think where the predictions are wrong is the speed in which the systems are moving and the exact direction. Prediction is very hard but becomes easier with experience of the local area and watching the systems. It's actually kind of fun to look at the charts and say "I bet ... is going to happen" and then come back the next day or two and see what really happened.
'Good Old Boat' Weather Article
Weather Basics ~ Reading Weather Charts on-line at: cruisersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4087 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4087
Weather Basics ~ Reading Weather Charts on-line at: cruisersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4087 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4087
question bout thunderstorms
What do sailors do about thunder storms ? If you are already out what do you do ? If you have not left yet do you cancel for Lighting storms ? Thanks in advance Jess jess@cot.net thanks again
What do sailors do about thunder storms ? If you are already out what do you do ? If you have not left yet do you cancel for Lighting storms ? Thanks in advance Jess jess@cot.net thanks again
we can only answer for ourselves
"What do sailors do about thunder storms ?" We piss on the clouds to show our disapproval for them showing up on our weekends. "If you are already out what do you do ?" --Drop/furl the main. --Keep jib out but be ready to let the sheet go if the wind picks up more then 30 knots. --Close all hatches and companion way. --Should tie yourself in but I never do in the bay...in the gulf I do. --Have engine ready to start if not already started. --put rain gear on. --sail to sunshine (most surprise thunderstorms here are small but intense and move quickly) "If you have not left yet do you cancel for Lighting storms ?" --You bet. If I'm in the marina, there are a lot of other masts for the lighting to hit verses me being the only one out in the water.
"What do sailors do about thunder storms ?" We piss on the clouds to show our disapproval for them showing up on our weekends. "If you are already out what do you do ?" --Drop/furl the main. --Keep jib out but be ready to let the sheet go if the wind picks up more then 30 knots. --Close all hatches and companion way. --Should tie yourself in but I never do in the bay...in the gulf I do. --Have engine ready to start if not already started. --put rain gear on. --sail to sunshine (most surprise thunderstorms here are small but intense and move quickly) "If you have not left yet do you cancel for Lighting storms ?" --You bet. If I'm in the marina, there are a lot of other masts for the lighting to hit verses me being the only one out in the water.
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