I'm in Southern California and am planning to purchase a sailboat by the end of this year, but it does look like I can't do that. The "Super" version of El Nino will hit the SoCal coastline with high winds, rough seas, etc from around September 2026 to December 2026. That'll prevent me from buying a sailboat - for now, until after it'll disappear in early 2027. That really sucks. If you already have a sailboat in SoCal marina, have you had issues with your sailboat while sitting in the slip during extreme weather?
Super El Nino is coming.
- Thread starter madmax
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
Learning to sail, as you have indicated, means becoming "Weather Wise".
El Niño is not like Santa Ana winds. It identifies a temperature gradient in the central Pacific south of the Equator.
Here is a forecast Link from Southern California.
‘Strong' El Niño may be brewing. Here's what it could mean for Southern California
Here are some snips from the Channel 4 report.
El Niño misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about El Niño and what it means for our weather.
For starters, El Niño is not a storm.
While it may influence global weather patterns, Biggar said it does not generate storms or weather systems.
“El Niño is not a guarantee of wetter winters,” he added.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s report, stronger El Niño events “do not always mean bigger weather and climate impacts.”
If you want a boat, this may be a great time to consider your purchase.
El Nino has had no ill effects on keeping a boat here. The Yellowtail and Dorado season will start early and should be good, might even get Pelagic Red Crabs and Humboldt squid. Flying Fish will be more plentiful. Weather here is a very good reason to buy a boat, you sail all year.
Don't let that guesscast slow you down. Even if it was a big el Nino season there would be many good sailing days.
Been through several el Nino seasons here in the last 30-40 years. I haven't heard anybody say they had significant boat damage due to one.
Been through several el Nino seasons here in the last 30-40 years. I haven't heard anybody say they had significant boat damage due to one.
You mean we might get more/better wind? Lets have a super El Nino every year. I'm in.
We had some really stormy days in the Marinas here last winter. A couple of 50kt days blowing through. Aside from a couple of loose headsails and some broken lines on boats that dont replace them...no big deal.
We had some really stormy days in the Marinas here last winter. A couple of 50kt days blowing through. Aside from a couple of loose headsails and some broken lines on boats that dont replace them...no big deal.
I wouldn't base a boat purchase on an El Nino. As mentioned, its not a storm forecast, just a potential trend. Just watch the weather forecasts, as per usual before you sail. As for extreme weather in a marina, just make sure your tied securely to avoid rub with the dock and make sure the sails, especially the jib is wind proof. There are about 2500 boats in Ventura harbor and during a big blow there may be 1 or 2 with a sail that gets loose. They make a huge amount of noise when flogging, so if you have any decent dock neighbors it usually gets taken care of. Other than that, its usually pretty benien.