Sitting in Steamboat...but Watching Florida Weather
Every time we get ready to leave our home in Steamboat and head out for the high seas, our mutual level of craziness seems steadily increase until it finally reaches a crescendo a few days before departure. This is when we finally throw up our hands and conclude that we've done everything we could think of to get ready (and then some!), and whatever else there is can be done later, or not at all. A sense of peace descends on both of us and we relax, pack our bags and go. Every departure is a bit different and this time around we even got in a 4 mile cross country ski trip on the day before we left.
But for me, the self-appointed family weather geek, one tradition remains the same. About six to eight weeks before we depart I start to make my daily check of the weather forecasts for the area(s) where we are headed. I'll also commission our Iridium Satellite phone, purchase some airtime, and test out my favorite data compressed weather tools available through the sat phone. When we're offshore and have no high-speed internet available, I'll use the sat phone for weather much more frequently.
My Favorite Marine Weather Sites
Watching the weather from Colorado, I'm using some of my favorite sources of online marine weather forecasts. It's good to check several of these sites to see if they agree about the direction and strength of the winds as well as the height of the waves.
- Predict Wind
- Passage Weather
- NOAA radiofax charts
- NOAA coastal zone forecasts, (particularly if we're planning to cruise in US coastal waters).
These are not Weather Channel types of forecasts but rather, a more detailed maritime forecast useful to off shore (and near shore) sailors. To be clear, I'm not looking for a prediction of the weather we'll have on a departure date. Rather, my goal is to get a sense of the overall weather patterns.
Getting in the Rhythm
Over the years I've found that weather seems to develop a certain rhythm as different "fronts" approach, winds clock around the compass as the front passes and conditions settle until the next one. These rhythms vary by season and also seem to be a bit different each year. So, by watching the cycles for several weeks in advance I can get a feel for the timing and duration of foul winds and seas, and be in a much better position to make decisions on departures, passages, anchoring etc. once we're on the boat and underway.
Best of all my "weather watch" builds our excitement to leave the snow and mountains and go sailing. It gives me a little daily reminder that soon, we'll be aboard Snowcat heading over the horizon once again!
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Sandy Fisher says
Cheers and safe travels to you and Dean, Karen. Your prep and attention to detail assures me you have it dialed in.
I should tell you some time about the adventures of the KIDS from the USNA on the sailing team as they sailed to the Bahamas and many other locales, with only an old salty sailor on board as the "adult". I surmise their prep was not even close to yours. Have tons of fun.
Karen says
We’d love to hear your sailing stories. Dean is a stickler for weather and safety preparation, so we don’t have many scary sailing stories to share. I’m fine with that!
Betsy Blakeslee says
Love the weather tools. We just returned from sailing with Sarah's brother Andy and his wife Meli from Zihjuatanejo to La Cruz Mex, they are about to do the puddle jump., waiting for the trade winds to show up. (www.svbravo.com) you bloggers provide such great vicarious adventures for those of us still doing the Nine-to Five.. Thanks for that. Green with envy. Especially over your rendezvous with Kestrel. Over
Karen says
We are loving the opportunity to buddy boat with another Steamboat family aboard Kestrel. We hope to connect with them again for the little guy’s first birthday...stay tuned!
susanafield says
Congratulations on your new sailing adventure! John and I are currently sea kayaking in Florida, following the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. We started in Alabama on Feb 13 and hope to be in Key West May 9, and then completing the eastern section next winter. My blog is http://www.thePinkKayak.com
We also now live in the small Pacific port town of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. If your travels take you to Central America let us know. We have a lovely home to host you at.
Karen says
We have been following your kayaking adventures...looks like a lot of work and mosquitoes! We don't plan on heading to Nicaragua, but you never know. Stay in touch and happy paddling, K
Deb says
Love these pics and this post! Didn’t know you were a weather geek but I’m sure that’s an essential skill when you are living Life ON the Boat!! Bon voyage as you launch this new journey! Enjoy!
Karen says
Thanks for your comment, Deb! Watching the weather has saved us from a lot of unhappiness while sailing. You wouldn’t believe how many sailors get caught off guard by weather systems that we have watched for 5-7 days through these various apps and websites. Best wishes on your retirement! K
Deb says
Thank you! The countdown is on!! Cheers!