Ocean Navigation

OCEAN NAVIGATION

Photo made by Tall Ship 'Eye of the Wind', 2013, North Atlantic 

We have many means of getting weather forecast. On the Swan we use mainly grib-files, because they give a nice overview and make planning easy. But these grib-files are computer generated and should also be used with care. With the MF/HF we can receive weather fax. On the Inmarsat-C we will receive ECG (Enhanced Group Calls) with weather forecasts. Unfortunately these are quite cryptic and much harder to interpret. But the combination of all these systems is the way to go.

Nice news is that Herb Hilgenberg, a senior weather router from Canada) is looking over our shoulders. He has been in contact with the Swan Fan Makkum and has routed several Dutch tall-ships over the ocean. We will be in contact with Herb on a regular bases, so we can discuss the route we intend to sail.

Winter North Atlantic is weather wise really interesting. From North American mainland there are depressions continuously rolling towards Europe, some of them have severe gale force winds in them. But with cunning planning, a comfortable and fast crossing to the Azores can be made.