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Jon Bilger
Jon Bilger is the founding director of PredictWind, and also a keen yachtsman with the following main achievements.
- In charge of the weather team for Alinghi – Winner of the America’s Cups in 2003/2007
- A representative for New Zealand in the 1992 Olympic Games
- National Champion in multiple dinghy classes
- Navigator in the 1995 America’s Cup.
With this experience he understands the importance of a good wind forecast.
In his role for PredictWind he has given us the following insights… |
Background of Company
"In Alinghi we had access to some of the best weather modeling technology available, and as a sailor, I thought that it would be great if the same technology would be available to the public for marine forecasting. Hence we have setup PredictWind so that others can enjoy accurate marine forecasts around the world. It has been a dream come true for me, and I am fortunate to be involved with a team of professionals who are leaders in their field."
Weather Modeling Team
"Due to confidentiality restrictions I cannot reveal the names of the experts who are behind the success of PredictWind. However I can say that the technology is culmination of 30 years of experience by a team of research scientists. It is cutting edge technology that has not been available on the marine market until June 2008."
About the Weather Modeling Technology
"In the America’s Cup we forecast for one specific location, but the challenge with PredictWind was to provide forecasts on a global basis. At present we have 520 forecasts areas that we can display forecasts maps for both our 8km and 1km resolution model. In addition we have around 20,000 specific forecasts locations that we generate specific forecast. Forecasts are generated automatically every 12hrs and available first thing in the morning and evening for your local area. There is a serious amount computing power to make this all happen, and some very smart software to automate and monitor the process."
For more information on how the weather model works go to the bottom of Why PredictWind
Benefits
"As a sailor and customer I would want to know the technology is proven and can be trusted. The technology has been proven in the demanding America’s Cup Yacht Racing arena.
We run the model down to a 1km resolution which is really essential if you want an accurate forecast.
In addition the level of detail you get in a 1km resolution forecast is "second to none" – the local 1km resolution maps show how the forecast varies on an hour by hour basis over your area.
Lastly the forecast needs to be easily accessible, and so you can access the information within seconds of logging onto the site. Or if you need to access on your mobile phone, or through a satellite data connection at sea, we have a specially designed mobile site (
www.predictwind.mobi). At first the level of information may be a bit daunting, but we have found that after viewing the tutorial, and using the product for a week, it quickly becomes second nature even for the non-technical user."
The Future
"We intend to keep the free trial going for as long as possible, so that people can test the benefits for themselves. We will be adding more forecast areas as requested, and additional features to the web interface. There is a lot of choice on the internet, and it is only by using a product that you can gain confidence in it. We trust you enjoy the forecasts, and welcome any feedback to improve the product."
