(--Done--)

There is hardly any single thing you can do to safeguard your cruise to an unfamiliar area than to study the Fleet Numeric NGP graphics.

The graphics topic to select is "Wave and Winds."

Following the presentations for the area of interest just prior and during the passage you make is the single best way of protecting yourself. This may not be possible except when in port. The fallback is to have someone on shore who you can contact and who will follow this for you.

Keep in mind the following comments. The FN graphics are not all that accurate right near the coast and the absolute location of where storm centers will be beyond a couple days ahead, is only marginally accurate.

Last, but not least. Your ability to find the data useful will be enhanced profoundly if you have been studying the charts in the previous

2 or 3 months. In other words, the pattern that has preceded the present time frame is the one LIKELY to prevail immediately following.

I consider the Pilot Charts which show general patterns of winds and directions to be obsolete if you have access to the FN graphics. There are other methods of getting wind and wave predictions, like GRIB files but I consider all of these others to be second rate.

I am wary of so called weather routing services. The weakness of using these services fall under these comments. Not enough attention to whether winds will be less than 20 knots for powered craft. Inattention to counter currents in the area. Not taking into account whether so called light winds of 15-20 knots will be from a favorable direction.

Not enough experience with the specific vessel type and characteristics that you actually have. And, with any specific equipment limitations at the time like stabilizer failures, etc. Not taking into account the effects of varying wind directions, resulting in very confused and uncomfortable sea conditions.

Confused seas are much more prevalent outside the so called "trade wind"

routes where the wind tends to blow from one direction for weeks if not months at a time.

It is not enough to just avoid really bad storms. Cruising boats that lack fairly deep keels, ballast and sails for stabilization(commonly known as "sailboats") need to concentrate on optimizing the route to maximize comfort. This form of comfort is not a luxury.

Mike

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Capt. Mike Maurice

Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)