Expert navigator tips for weather models

Professional skipper Will Harris explains to Andy Rice in Yachting World about how to make a navigation plan using weather models to win a sailing race:

When he’s working up a weather and routing plan for an offshore race, Will Harris likes to build up the information in layers. The work can start weeks in advance for a big race like the Rolex Fastnet Race, but the homework really starts ramping up in the final seven days.

“From one week out we’re looking at the big picture, how the jet stream is moving, how the synoptic charts are shaping up.

“I’m not talking to the rest of the crew at this stage, I don’t want to bother them with a plan that’s got a high chance of changing in the coming days. But I’ll look to get them all involved in the final stages when things are starting to look more certain,” he explains. – Full report