Under the section "Current Weather", we have put a basic selection of weather links covering the Atlantic Ocean.  These are what we consider a good snapshot of conditions in our journey for others to track us. We have been able to research a much more extensive set of images for use on the sailboat and have compiled a list which includes current as well as 24hr, 48hr and 72hr predictions of pressure, surface analysis, sea state, currents, and water temperature. In addition, of course, there are satellite images and cloud coverage. 

If you like to see detail, and I mean lots of detail, go to the NOAA National Weather Service and the NOAA Ocean Prediction Center for tons of options. The latter is the one we use extensively since it has the most detail on the Atlantic Ocean.

Why is understanding meteorology important aboard a sailboat?

To some that probably sounds like a very stupid question. Duh! To avoid a horrible storm.

Well, that is absolutely true. That is, unless you are one of those daredevils that purposely seeks unfavorable sailing conditions in which to sail, either by picking bad times or bad locations. That wouldn't be us. Nonetheless, understanding weather is more critical to sailing than just avoiding a storm. Do you know what is like to find yourself with too large a sail in the middle of the night when the wind picks up? Have you ever spent a day or two "parked" in the middle of a dead calm zone? Unless you are familiar with sailing, you haven't had the "joy" of either situation.

Adjusting and optimizing sails and course based on weather patterns is what ocean sailing is all about.

Fundamentally, for any given wind direction, wind speed, and waves there is a corresponding combination of course, sails and trimming (adjustment to sails and yards) that is optimal and a range under which such a combination will operate safely. Now, this is not an Americas Cup sailboat so we don't have the complexity of a dozen sails with us. But neither do we have a full crew of a dozen professional sailors. Therefore, the task of staying one step ahead of the weather is just as daunting to us.

How do we do it? Aboard O'Comillas, meteorology consists of the following:

1. Live observations
2. GRIB files
3. Weather analysis, reports, and forecast images

1. Live observations:
Our own senses and experience, coupled with wind instruments and barometers, are the best tools for observations on the sailboat. After all, who cares what any given image or report says, if we are witnessing changes in wind direction or speed, precipitation or changes in atmospheric pressure.

We try to anticipate changes and understand the probable ranges among the different variables. For this a barometer is a great tool. At a constant elevation (seal level is pretty constant), there is a direct correlation between pressure and weather. I say constant elevation because there is also a link between pressure and altitude. Therefore, on the sailboat, if pressure remains the same so will the weather, pressure increases weather improves, pressure decreases weather deteriorates. The faster a change in pressure the more dramatic the change in weather will be.

2. GRIB images:
GRIB or "GRaphics In Binary" is a standard format for transmission of meteorological Forecast Models. We receive these files daily over email and use them in conjunction with Raymarine RayTech Navigator computer software.

The GRIB files contain a composite of information such as atmospheric pressure, wind direction and speed, currents, etc. that are overlayed directly on top of the RayTech Navigator map. The weather display is a loop from current conditions to 3 and even 7 days forecast allowing us to see pattern changes and what we will be encountering further down the route.

A great function of Raytech Navigator usage of GRIB files is that it shows the current position of the sailboat, and all information from the instruments, while simultaneously showing us weather information. Therefore, we can zoom into any given area and alter the existing route to avoid any potential hazardous weather or take advantage of wind shifts.

3. Weather analysis, reports, and forecast images:
We have prepared a comprehensive list of images that we can access with the browser before departure and over email during our journey. There are also fax reports available via radio. Here too much information could be overwhelming and we could spend the entire journey looking at weather stuff and not enjoying sailing. The balance is to only get a basic set of reports on a regular basis and then, if we notice something developing that could affect us, request more relevant images via email or fax.

So, we use our long list of images and reports as our in-depth library. If we are curious about something, then we might get longer horizon projections or additional information on the subject.

Note: for more details on the Raytech Navigator software, instruments, email and connectivity to the internet in the middle of the ocean or anything else related to O'Comillas please check out the section about the "Sailboat".

The Beaufort scale was created by Britain's Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857). Developed in 1805 to help sailors estimate winds and sea conditions based on visual observation. We may make reference in our logs about the weather being at Force X. So, we've included a description here and some photos for reference.

For more information on the Beaufort scale check out http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/webpage/beaufort/