Sailing Meteorology

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In 1986 I was privileged to help the RYA with a reconnaissance visit to Pusan, the venue for the forthcoming 1988 Olympics. I met top coaches from various countries and was amazed at major differences of opinion at the highest level on meteorological matters. Even more surprising was the prevalence of many myths about wind flow near the surface and at coastlines.

I was then working with a Met Office research unit collecting data on wind flow and turbulence. This gave me a perfect opportunity to use some real data to put right the mythology and document what is really true. Articles in meteorological and sailing journals and presentations at RYA and RIN meeting followed.

Much misunderstood issues I studied include: -

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• Wind bends at coasts

• Wind against tide

• Wind shifts and gusts

• Sail twist and windshear

In 1999 I co-authored a book on sailing meteorology, "Weather to Sail" also published in Finnish as "Purjehtijan sää" with Elena Saltikoff of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

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I'm always happy to advise yachtsmen on the subtleties of near surface winds.

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I have given presentations on the subject from the tactical implications of wind structure to the veracity or otherwise of sailing weather lore - old and modern.

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Be warned however, there are few certainties, just probabilities...