The Atlantic Crossing Weather Tools Webinar (Part 2) was recorded on 20th October 2022
Here is the link to the video on Youtube https://youtu.be/V7o-LSXq8Jk
This advanced webinar detailed how to use the equipment and PredictWind Weather Tools for an Atlantic crossing. Topics include:
Using the Offshore App while on Passage
Connecting to your Satellite device
Offshore App Settings for Satellite downloads
Tools in the Offshore App
How to use new features, Wave Routing, GMDSS maps, and AIS during Offshore
Below, we answer the nine most commonly asked questions:
1/ What are boat polars, and how do I set them up?
2/ What is the difference between the PredictWind App/ website and the Offshore App?
3/ Can I find out more about GPS Tracking?
4/ Can I get more information on the new AIS and GMDSS/ Extreme Weather Warnings features?
5/ Can I download PredictWind weather files other ways apart from the Iridium GO?
6/ What is the recommended file size for Iridium GO weather downloads?
7/ What is CAPE, and how can I predict severe weather?
8/ How do I set up wave polars?
9/ Can I get the link to the Part 1 webinar?
1/ What are boat polars, and how do I set them up?
Polars describe your boat speed and wind angle in any given weather situation. Setting the polars in your PredictWind account is essential to get an accurate weather route. It is vital you set the polars in your account before using the weather routing and departure planning tool on any of the PredictWind platforms.
See the help at https://help.predictwind.com/articles/2884506-how-to-set-up-boat-polars-all-platforms for detailed instructions on setting up boat polars.
2/ What is the difference between the PredictWind App/ website and the Offshore App?
There are multiple ways you can view a PredictWind forecast:
The PredictWind website https://forecast.predictwind.com/ is used on your PC/ Mac using a web browser like Chrome or Safari. You need complete internet services to use this. It is location-based, i.e. you add your location, and we generate a forecast for that spot. 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 needs Wifi or a cellular connection to view the forecast. It is location-based, i.e. you add your location, and we generate a forecast for that spot.
You can use the PredictWind Offshore App on PC, Mac, Apple or Android devices. It is an offline tool for downloading compressed GRIB file weather data and weather routing via an internet or cellular connection, at sea via satellite like the Iridium GO or email request. It stores files locally on the device to review offline.
3/ Can I find out more about GPS Tracking?
PredictWind can provide a customized GPS tracking web page for your boat. Your friends and family can access this web page, and do not require them to have a PredictWind account. The web page can be viewed in a web browser or embedded in your blog or website.
You can utilize our GPS tracking, and blog post features with an Iridium GO, YB3i, YB Tracker, inReach, or manually update your position report via the Offshore App.
Check out our Help Centre Section on GPS tracking at https://help.predictwind.com/en/collections/1680697-gps-tracking for more information.
4/ Can I get more information on the new AIS and GMDSS/ Extreme Weather Warnings features?
AIS - You can now access AIS vessel position reports worldwide. Review this article at https://www.predictwind.com/news/ais-vessel-data/
You can now visually view the GMDSS text forecast on any weather map. See https://www.predictwind.com/news/extreme-weather-warning/ for more information.
5/ Can I download PredictWind weather files other ways apart from the Iridium GO?
There are multiple ways to download PredictWind weather data while offshore. Our Offshore App is compatible with the Iridium GO (recommended), Optimizer*, GlobalStar, high-speed satellite devices including Starlink, email requests, and SSB with a pactor model.
*If you have an Optimizer connected to the following devices, you can direct download GRIB files and routing.
Iridium handset, Aurora, Glow, MCG101, SatStation, Sattrans, Thuraya, Isatphone, Iridium Pilot, HNSBGAN, GSM.
6/ What is the recommended file size for Iridium GO weather downloads?
We recommend keeping the file size below 200kb, but you can download more if you have the patience to wait for it. The rule of thumb is that 100kb takes 10 minutes via the Iridium GO, whose data speed is 10-12KB/ minute.
7/ What is CAPE, and how can I predict severe weather?
CAPE stands for Convective Available Potential Energy and is the amount of fuel available to a developing thunderstorm. More specifically, it describes the atmosphere's instability and approximates updraft strength within a thunderstorm. So, CAPE is used by weather officials to understand what the potential might be for thunderstorms and how powerful those storms might become if they do materialize.
The standard measurement of energy is represented as Joules Per Kilogram. A high CAPE value might also be expressed by weather experts using the term “high instability”. When we talk about a highly unstable atmosphere, CAPE values are usually more than 2500 J/kg’s, which would supply ample energy for strong updrafts and violent thunderstorms, should they develop.
You can learn more about CAPE and other indicators for predicting severe weather at https://www.predictwind.com/news/indicators-predicting-severe-weather/.
8/ How do I set up 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 Roll, Vertical accelerations and Slamming Incidence that your boat will experience through the route. See more information at https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/5979677-weather-routing-using-wave-polars.
9/ Can I get the link to the Part 1 webinar?
The first webinar in this series was the Atlantic Crossing Weather Equipment Introduction Webinar. It covered our recommended weather and communications set-up, including the Iridium GO!, compatibility, the PredictWind Offshore App brief overview, GPS tracking, rallies, and buddy boats.
You can find the recorded webinar at https://youtu.be/BWdDLDFxZJA.