PredictWind lets you export a calculated weather model route or create and export your own preferred (optimal) route using waypoints.
Calculated routes can be exported as GPX, KML, or CSV files for use with compatible navigation software or chartplotters.
Preferred/ optimal routes can be exported as a GPX file.
You can also import GPX waypoint files into PredictWind through the Forecast Website.
1. Export your preferred weather model route
PredictWind calculates eight weather routes based on the available global forecast models. You can export whichever model route you prefer without adding any waypoints.
Calculate your weather route.
Click Data.
Click Export.
Under Select Route, choose your preferred weather model route.
Select Export as GPX.
2. Export your own optimal route
If you prefer to create a course based on the overall trend across the different weather model routes, you can add intermediate waypoints at your chosen positions. This gives you a route defined by your selected waypoints rather than directly exporting one model route.
Calculate your weather route and compare the different model routes.
Click the Waypoints icon on the map.
Click the + button to add intermediate waypoints (maximum 20).
Position your waypoints along your preferred passage, taking account of the general trend across the routes and navigational hazards.
Select Export.
You can use the resulting GPX file with compatible navigation software or chartplotters. Some chartplotters require transferring the file using an SD card.
3. Import GPX waypoints into PredictWind
Importing GPX waypoints is currently available only on the PredictWind Forecast Website, not in the iOS or Android app.
Log in to the PredictWind Forecast Website: https://forecast.predictwind.com/atlas/sailRouter/#
Open Sail Routing or Power Routing.
Click the Routing icon to open the Routing Options box (top right of the screen), then select Waypoints.
Click Import.
Select your GPX waypoint file and click OK.
Review the imported waypoints on the map before calculating a route.
Current limit: PredictWind supports a maximum of 20 intermediate waypoints per route. A GPX file containing more waypoints cannot be imported as a complete route. Reduce the file to the key waypoints if necessary.
4. Why fewer waypoints are often better for weather routing
A weather router is designed to choose a course in response to the forecast. Importing hundreds of closely spaced waypoints can constrain it to a fixed track, reducing its ability to find the best route as conditions change. Where practical, use intermediate waypoints at key positions, for example to keep clear of islands, hazards or restricted areas, and let the router optimize the passage between them.
5. Share a route with another PredictWind user
Export a preferred weather model route or a route based on your own waypoints as a GPX file.
Email or otherwise share the GPX file with the other user.
The recipient can import the waypoints through the Forecast Website using the steps above.
Please note: Sharing a GPX file does not bypass the 20-intermediate-waypoint import limit. A detailed exported model route may contain more points than PredictWind can import back into a routing plan.
Important weather routing and navigation advice
An optimal weather route indicates the general trend and recommended course. Its accuracy depends on the weather forecast and your boat performance polar. It is not a turn-by-turn GPS navigation system, so interpretation and adjustments are needed.
We recommend updating your weather route every 12 hours as new weather model forecasts become available.
All routes must be reviewed and adjusted for navigational safety. The skipper is responsible for ensuring that the passage avoids navigational hazards and for checking the route against appropriate navigational charts.
Depth Avoidance: The PredictWind Weather Router uses Depth Avoidance rather than traditional land avoidance. PredictWind has acquired worldwide depth contours at 2 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m and 30 m to help route around shallow areas. Depth Avoidance is not a substitute for navigational charts, local knowledge or good seamanship.
If you need help exporting or importing a GPX route, contact PredictWind Support and include the GPX file if possible.