The Atlantic Crossing Tools & Features Webinar (Part 1) was recorded on 26th September 2024.

Here is the link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vgsm-v6t3q0

This webinar details the fundamentals of PredictWind’s Weather Routing tools and key features.

Below, we answer the eight most commonly asked questions:

There are multiple ways you can view a PredictWind forecast:

Polars describe your boat speed and wind angle in any given weather situation. Setting the polars in your PredictWind account is essential for 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.

For detailed instructions on setting up boat polars, see the help article: How to Set Up Boat Polars - All Platforms.

The DataHub is your all-in-one solution for GPS tracking, data management, and communication. Whether you're offshore or inshore, it seamlessly handles your GPS tracking, data sharing, and communications. It can switch from satellite to cellular when needed, ensuring your tracking page stays current. Plus, it offers features like firewall protection, PredictMail, generating AI boat polars, accessing N2K data, and broadcasting GPS and AIS. There are no ongoing fees or contracts with the DataHub, just the requirement of a standard or professional PredictWind forecast subscription for GPS tracking services. The AI Polar feature is a professional level feature.

Climate Data (Pilot Charts) is essential for passage planning well in advance of departure, particularly when crossing oceans during the optimal season or planning activities at a specific location. This data is based on historical ECMWF data and is a rolling 10-year monthly average of wind speed/direction and wave direction/height.

To access this feature, log in to your account at www.predictwind.com. From the main menu, navigate to TOOLS > Climate Data. You can zoom in or out to display more or fewer wind or wave roses. A detailed graphic will appear when you click on any rose, providing additional information.

You can switch between months using the control at the bottom left and toggle between wind and wave roses at the top right.

This new feature is currently available only on the PredictWind website when using a PC or Mac. We plan to add it to the PredictWind App soon.

You can visually view the GMDSS text forecast on any weather map.

The text forecasts are analysed in the PredictWind cloud, and then each weather system, front and warning region is plotted accurately on the map, giving you a world-first, global view of the GMDSS forecast.

For detailed instructions on GMDSS and Extreme weather warnings, see the help article: AI-Generated GMDSS Maps.

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. Weather experts might also express A high CAPE value using the term “high instability”. When we talk about a highly unstable atmosphere, CAPE values are usually more than 2500 J/kg, which would supply ample energy for strong updrafts and violent thunderstorms, should they develop.

Learn more about extreme weather warnings and other indicators for predicting potentially dangerous conditions by viewing this article: Extreme Weather Warnings.

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. For detailed instructions on Wave Polars, please take a look at the help article: Weather Routing using Wave Polars.

The Professional package gives you access to the best data that PredictWind has to offer. The Professional level allows access to the following:

Any weather route or departure plan calculation using either the Standard or Professional subscriptions will consider your choice of ocean current data and wave polars when calculating a route. However, only the Professional subscription will show you these details when viewing the results in the tables and along the routes.