This webinar covered the basics of using PredictWind’s Weather Routing and departure planning tools, including why it’s useful for cruising, racing, and powerboating. We covered routing settings, what to look for, and the different functions available within the tools. We also explained the weather models, why there are so many, and how to interpret and compare the routes they generate.
The 2026 Introduction to Weather Routing Webinar was recorded on the 28th May 2026.
📺 Watch the Recording
You can now watch the full session on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb_ZnAafs1w
👉 YouTube Recording – 2026 Pacific Passage Planning
Below, we answer the 10 most commonly asked questions:
1/ What is the difference between the PredictWind App, Forecast Website and the Offshore App?
There are multiple ways you can view and use PredictWind forecast data and tools.
The PredictWind Website https://forecast.predictwind.com/ is used on your PC/ Mac using a web browser like Chrome or Safari. You need high-speed internet services (land-based or Starlink) to use this. This is our primary platform for subscription management, billing, and setting boat polars.
The PredictWind App is installed on your mobile device and is an online tool. It requires a 4G/5G cellular connection or high-speed internet services (land-based or Starlink)
You can use the PredictWind Offshore App on PC, Mac, Apple or Android devices. It is an offline tool for downloading compressed GRIB weather data and weather routing via an internet or cellular connection, or at sea via satellite, such as the Iridium GO! or GO exec. It stores files locally on the device for offline review.
2/ What are Boat Polars, and how do I configure them?
Boat Polars describe your boat speed and wind angle in any given wind speed and direction. In short, the performance of your boat.
Setting the boat polars in your PredictWind account is essential for an accurate weather route. Please set up the boat polars in your account before using the weather routing and departure planning tool on any PredictWind platform.
Relevant article: How to Set Up Boat Polars - All Platforms.
3/ How do I set up and use Wave Polars?
With PredictWind Weather Routing, you can set your Wave Polar not only to define the performance of your boat in various wave conditions but also to view the RMS Roll, Vertical Acceleration and Slamming Incidence that your boat will experience through the route.
Relevant article: Weather Routing using Wave Polars.
4/ Which subscription level do I need for Weather Routing and Departure Planning?
Weather routing and departure planning require the Standard or Professional Forecast Subscription. All calculations will consider the tidal current, the ocean current model you have selected and your wave polars when calculating a weather route. However, only the Professional Forecast Subscription will show you these details when viewing the routing results in the Routing Tables and along the route when viewing the Wind Map.
The Professional package gives you access to the best data that PredictWind has to offer. The Professional level allows access to the following:
Wave modelling of your boat (including RMS Roll, Vertical Acceleration and Slamming Incidence). Please learn more with this 1-minute video.
Ocean current GRIBs/Maps (Mercator and RTOFS)
High-resolution tidal currents
High-resolution forecast GRIB files (1km and 8km PWG/PWE, 9km ECMWF, 27km GFS, 14km, 10km UKMO)
Sea Surface Temperature (SST).
AIS data in the Offshore App, accessible via satellite when offshore. Please learn more with this 1-minute video.
AI Polar generation
5/ What is the difference between departure planning and weather routing?
In short, use departure planning to analyse which day is best to leave, then switch to weather routing to get a detailed breakdown of your passage.
Departure Planning: helps you choose when to depart by comparing options for leaving on different days or at different times of day (usually Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4). It summarises the expected conditions along the route for each departure date (wind, waves, currents, CAPE, rain, etc.), so you can pick a departure date that avoids the worst conditions or optimises comfort/safety.
Weather Routing: Calculates a route between two points using forecast data, giving a clear picture of what conditions to expect along the way.
It draws on multiple high-resolution forecast models, allowing you to compare outcomes and see how different scenarios may unfold.
The routing also includes wave and current data. By entering your boat’s details, you can view additional metrics, such as roll, vertical acceleration, and slamming, to better understand your comfort levels.
Each route provides summary statistics for wind, waves, currents, rain, CAPE, and any extreme weather warnings, helping you plan passages with a realistic view of the conditions.
6/ What are PredictWind's model update times?
PredictWind offers multiple atmospheric, wave, ocean, tidal current and SST forecasts that update at varying times depending on when we receive the source data from the supplier.
Relevant article: PredictWind Forecast Update Times
7/. Which model is more accurate?
Unfortunately, there is no "golden rule" for which model is more accurate. Often there are periods where one model is better, then it swaps around. If all models are similar, you can have more confidence in the forecast. If they are very different, it just shows the uncertainty in the situation.
Please see the accuracy ratings of the models from a national weather centre at https://www.predictwind.com/model-validation-technical-report/ With 1-2 models it can be difficult to decide on which forecast to select, but with up to 9 models the decision is easier to see a consensus.
To clarify the terminology for the different models that PredictWind offers, see the Help article at http://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/2884560-what-does-pwg-pwe-gfs-ecmwf-spire-ukmo-hrrr-nam-arome-stand-for
When on passage, we recommend updating the weather route twice a day to get the latest information for your route. You can also check the live real-time observations in your area to see which model is tracking best.
8/ How do I set a boundary, and why would I use one?
Boundaries in PredictWind Weather Routing prevent the router from taking your boat through areas you want to avoid. They are useful for avoiding rough sea states, strong weather systems, shallow water, restricted or dangerous areas, exclusion zones, and traffic separation schemes. Boundaries can also help stop the router from choosing unrealistic shortcuts too close to land, giving you a safer and more practical route.
Relevant article: How to add an Exclusion Boundary for Weather Routing
9/ What is CAPE, and how can I predict severe weather?
CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy) is essentially the fuel for thunderstorms—it measures how unstable the atmosphere is and indicates the potential for thunderous activity not shown on the Wind Maps. It’s not a guarantee of a storm, but if CAPE is high and other indicators, like precipitation, are present, it suggests a greater risk.
Relevant article: What does CAPE mean?
10/ Can I get more information about the features of GMDSS/Extreme Weather Warnings?
The GMDSS text forecasts are analysed in the PredictWind server, and then each weather system, front, and warning region is plotted accurately on the map, providing a world-first, global view of the GMDSS forecast.
Relevant article: AI-Generated GMDSS Maps.
PredictWind uses Extreme Weather Warnings to alert you when forecast conditions meet thresholds for strong gusts, rain squalls, thunderstorms, etc. These warnings are displayed on maps and routing tables, so you can see at a glance where there might be dangerous or uncomfortable weather.
🌐 Want to Learn More?
Explore the PredictWind Marine Meteorology Course with in-depth articles, visual guides, and expert tips. Of particular importance for any Pacific crossing will be the Clouds article.