Decisions, Decisions.... Inshore or Offshore?... Strong EAC will deter

12:27 AM Thu 23 Jul 2009 GMT

'The experts at Tidetech have been using the info to analyse which way the currents are moving - Audi Sydney to Gold Coast Race' Tidetech

This winter classic of the Australian Sailing calendar has traditionally seen competing yachts hug the breakers en-route from Sydney to the Gold Coast in a bid to avoid the little understood EAC. This amazing current made famous by Nemo moves as much as 30million cubic metres of water per second in a broad ribbon up to 100kms wide and 500mteres deep. At times it can flow up to 7 knots with large eddies featuring at various points. In the week up to the race navigators are hungry for any information that will let them know what the current is doing to give them an edge.

Tidetech's EAC GRIB data will show navigators where they must stay in close and just as importantly when the offshore option could reap rich rewards.

The picture tells the story.

Clear skies this week have been giving us beautiful pictures of the Sea Surface Temp - Audi Sydney to Gold Coast Race - Tidetech Click Here to view large photo

Today's Tidetech data shows strong South going currents up to 5 knots North of Sydney and between Seal Rocks and Coffs Harbour, but between Pittwater and Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour and Ballina the current is slack or going N at up to 2 knots. The picture will change over the next few days though and navigators will need to keep abreast of the trends.

Tidetech's Dr Roger Proctor and Penny Haire are offering a custom analysis for competing yachts in this weekends race. The service will include Current data in GRIB format verified with Sea Surface Temperature Data sourced from CSIRO.

Contact tidetech at info@tidetech.org for more details.

Tidetech's data was successfully utilised by competitors in last years Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Three of the top four champions after handicap used GRIB data from Tidetech ( www.tidetech.org ) including overall winner Quest, third place-getter Wot Now and fourth placed Yendys. Sydney to Hobart Tidetech results.

Tidetech is the world's leading Oceanographic consulting company specialising in high quality information for the sailing community. Dr Roger Proctor has been oceanographic consultant to the UK Olympic Sailing Team since 1985.