T&T: Weather in the No. Pacific

[Mike Maurice]

The calendar says it is spring. The night time low was about 30 F. last 
night. The daffodils were screaming bloody murder, under the moon; now 
does that sound spring-like?

Ocean conditions in Southern California include swell from 2 directions 
and a nasty bit of NW blowing is forecast within a couple of days in the 
  outer waters from the Santa Barbara Channel north to San Francisco.

Ah, spring is here and if the wind is calmer next to the beach, that 
won't stop the whirling and thrashing from churning the water up as usual.

This coast doesn't know what a really good calm spell looks like without 
a warm land mass and fall cooling in the works. Of course none of that 
happens until winter is on the horizon. Which means that what calm 
spells come along, must not be squandered. You remember the old tale 
that "gold is where you find it", well calm spells are about as reliable.

Folks who sit in port while the wind dies are liable to be out at sea 
when the screamin starts up again. If you have been waiting in port and 
the wind shows serious signs of dying off, you had best get underway as 
soon as your legs will carry you because, sure as the wind dies, it will 
be back.

Don't wait for the ocean to get completely calm. If the wind is dying, 
you should be underway as soon as wave conditions are at all suitable 
for you and your craft.

Of course, this is not to imply that a short calm spell that will not 
allow you to get to the next harbor safely, should necessarily be taken 
advantage of. Any rule of thumb like I have outlined above should never 
be the single decision maker. Forecasts for when calm spells will start 
are generally more accurate than when they will disappear.


Regards,
Mike