Offshore Cruising
PredictWind can provide a 14 day marine forecast using the 50km resolution model for any region in the world. When offshore and away from land effects, it is not necessary to get a high resolution forecast. However you can be assured to get the best forecast available using the same technology that is used to generate the high resolution forecasts. The reduced smoothing in PredictWind’s weather model you will allow you to see wind features that are not picked up by other weather models. In addition we use two data sources for the weather model, to produce dual forecasts for comparison. The closer the wind forecasts, the more confidence you can have in the accuracy for your comfort and safety.
To give you further confidence in the PredictWind forecasts we have also provided you access to the ECMWF and GFS forecasts. This will give you forecast confidence before and while you are offshore
Free GRIB Viewer
Use the Free GRIB Viewer to automatically download and view the PredictWind 50km resolution GRIB files and display in your navigation package. This tool is ideally suited for retrieving the forecasts over slower wireless internet connections and will ensure you always have access to the forecast when there is no internet connection available.
Weather Routing
PredictWind now includes the world´s first online weather routing. Watch the video on Weather Routing. Simply drag the start and end waypoints on the map, and the PredictWind server will calculate the fastest route or the most comfortable route for your boat using the high resolution 1km-8km or 50km resolution wind forecasts. The comfortable route allows you to avoid sailing in strong winds or big swells. You decide your tolerance level, and the PredictWind routing algorithm will do its best to avoid these areas. You simply need to define your boats’ polar and the optimal path is calculated for both PredictWind forecasts, PWG and PWE, and the highly rated ECMWF and GFS forecasts.
The routing algorithm is also clever enough to avoid the land, right down to a 20m resolution level. So now you can can accurately see your optimal route for coastal cruising – for Comfort or for Speed.
Reduce Communication Costs
Whilst offshore, getting access to the internet is expensive with satellite communications, and file sizes are limited with SSB radio data services. PredictWind has the ultimate solution for this problem – Routing service via email. The same weather routing package is available via email. Simply email your start and end destination waypoints, and the PredictWind server will email back the optimal route for both forecasts. The file size is under 10kb keeping your satellite connection time to a minimum.
Departure Planning
What is the best day for depart on your next coastal passage? Watch the video on Departure Planning. You will be spanning different weather patterns, and this powerful tool will quickly summarize the wind conditions you will receive if you left on Day1, Day2, Day3, or Day4. This tool will save you hours in your planning. Simply drag the start and destination waypoints on the map, the weather routing algorithm will calculate the fastest route (avoiding the land) and summarize the wind forecast data for the next 4 days of departure.
The Professional Package is recommended for offshore cruising in areas that have significant Ocean Currents, otherwise please select the Standard Package.
