Hi Gents,
Any suggestions for the best way of forecasting around Adeliade? I find Seabreeze and Windfinder are often quite different and don't have a feel for which one is generally more accurate.
Is there also a meteorlogical site? there was a good one for pilots in North America that showed surface wind, and by being able to scroll through it in 3 hour intervals you could figure out which direction the wind was increasing from and head toward or away from it.
Thanks in advance.
My references....
Windguru
www.windguru.cz
BOM then trawl to...
10 min updates www.bom.gov.au/sa/observations/adelaide.shtml
I love www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/wind/index.jsp
Metro table useful www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/adelaidewaters.shtml
None of them are accurate - unless its a raging front with isobars so close they are hard to distinguish fromm each other - its usually hit and miss - but you can score a little more often if you get to know local wind influences, the way Northerlies behave during winter, seabreezes and SE'rs during summer.
You can usually pick days that have high potential by the weather maps and isobar direction and understanding sea & land breeze effects.
But it doesnt always come off.
Look back at days with good wind and check the preceeding maps and forecasts - you may start to see a pattern (or be even more confused)
Most if it is stick your head out the window where you want to sail and see if its windy (and plan repairs in April casue there is usually no wind for weeks)
I can sail strong northerlies at the mid coast and there will be nothing north and the Noarlunga readings are 10 knts - we have stuff all actual coastel readings between Portlincoln and Cape Jaffa that are useful (except Outer Harbor and possibly the Airport)
Good luck - if you find somewhere thats accurate please keep us informed!!!!
Best way to forecast the wind any time of the year is to organise a Birthday, Wedding, appointment and practically anything that stops you sailing and its going to be howling.
a lot of it comes down to local knowledge - the guys who predict the wind best at our site know what patterns to look for in the BOM graphs. talk to your local sailors to get their theories, then decide for yourself.
i find it's 1 part science, 3 parts arcane magic, 1 part desperate optimism.
Sheetin had the most accurate!
Seriously, thanks to all, the Marine Wind Forecast is pretty much what I was after. It's usefull to see what is coming. Sail for Sunday AM then!
The closest to the mark is usually the wind for land areas forecast.
www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/wind/index.jsp
