[PUP] T&T: Going Where No Sailor Has Gone Before

[Mike Maurice]

There is hardly any single thing you can do to safeguard your cruise to 
an unfamiliar area than to study the Fleet Numeric NGP graphics.
The graphics topic to select is "Wave and Winds."

https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/PUBLIC/WXMAP/


Following the presentations for the area of interest just prior and 
during the passage you make is the single best way of protecting 
yourself. This may not be possible except when in port. The fallback is 
to have someone on shore who you can contact and who will follow this 
for you.

Keep in mind the following comments. The FN graphics are not all that 
accurate right near the coast and the absolute location of where storm 
centers will be beyond a couple days ahead, is only marginally accurate. 
Last, but not least. Your ability to find the data useful will be 
enhanced profoundly if you have been studying the charts in the previous 
2 or 3 months. In other words, the pattern that has preceded the present 
time frame is the one LIKELY to prevail immediately following.

I consider the Pilot Charts which show general patterns of winds and 
directions to be obsolete if you have access to the FN graphics. There 
are other methods of getting wind and wave predictions, like GRIB files 
but I consider all of these others to be second rate.

I am wary of so called weather routing services. The weakness of using 
these services fall under these comments. Not enough attention to 
whether winds will be less than 20 knots for powered craft. Inattention 
to counter currents in the area. Not taking into account whether so 
called light winds of 15-20 knots will be from a favorable direction. 
Not enough experience with the specific vessel type and characteristics 
that you actually have. And, with any specific equipment limitations at 
the time like stabilizer failures, etc. Not taking into account the 
effects of varying wind directions, resulting in very confused and 
uncomfortable sea conditions.

Confused seas are much more prevalent outside the so called "trade wind" 
routes where the wind tends to blow from one direction for weeks if not 
months at a time.

It is not enough to just avoid really bad storms. Cruising boats that 
lack fairly deep keels, ballast and sails for stabilization(commonly 
known as "sailboats") need to concentrate on optimizing the route to 
maximize comfort. This form of comfort is not a luxury.


Mike
_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)