Hi Reader, Before we cruise into our main topic, here's a quick, fun update: Yacht Warriors has expanded its horizons beyond the seas – we're now sponsoring a football team! And not just any team...it's a vibrant and enthusiastic 7-year-old flag football team! As a last-minute coach, I had the delightful challenge of finding a sponsor. Who better than Yacht Warriors, right? Now, let's shift gears. Even though tropical mischief is far behind us, being weather-smart is a year-round necessity for charter crews. This edition is all about that - staying ahead of the game, no matter the season. While we'll delve into tides, currents, and navigating cuts in a future edition (essential for Bahamas-bound sailors), today we're focusing on the weather scenarios you're likely to encounter in the Windward or Leeward Islands outside of hurricane season. Looking back at my first bareboat trip in the BVIs, I confess to being a bit casual about the weather. Caught up in the thrill of the journey, I assumed the usual 10-15 knot easterly winds and didn’t pay much heed to the forecast. In retrospect, I understand the potential hazards I overlooked. Imagine, for instance, the predicament if a northerly ground swell had surprised us at Cane Garden Bay at two in the morning. As a saltier skipper today and a weather enthusiast, I’m more vigilant about the cruising conditions, ensuring safety and enjoyment for everyone on board. Key weather features to pay attention to in the CaribbeanChristmas windsThese robust winds (15-30 knots), created by strong high-pressure systems in the Atlantic, can last for several days in the winter. They can provide exhilarating sailing conditions but also demand respect and skill. Make sure you are prepared to reef those sails! Northerly ground swellsThis one can catch novices by surprise. From November through April, strong storms in the distant North Atlantic produce these swells that travel all the way down to the Caribbean. These swells can affect northerly exposed anchorages, making them uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Boats have been known to be thrown ashore from ground swells, so take caution. The good news is they are extremely well forecasted. I'll cover that below. These are some notable BVI destinations affected by ground swells:
Backwinding in anchoragesHere's how backwinding works:
Essential Weather Resources for Safe SailingTo navigate these conditions, here are the tools and resources I've come to rely on: NOAA Marine ForecastIf chartering in the Virgin Islands, this official weather forecast is crucial for understanding wind speed, sea state, and precipitation chances across different zones. It will also highlight any northerly swells that are forecasted. Windy AppFor visualizing the forecast, this app shows wind, waves, and more in an easily understandable format. RadarScope AppThis paid app provides high-resolution Doppler radar imagery, vital for tracking thunderstorms and other weather changes. You can pick up the Puerto Rico doppler in the Virgin Islands. VHF and Radio ChannelsChannels like ZBV 780 AM and NOAA WX3 and WX4 are indispensable for receiving marine forecasts in the Virgin Islands, when internet access is limited. For ZBV, here's the current marine forecast schedule:
Tropical TidbitsIf you're a weather enthusiast like myself, check out Tropical Tidbits for long range model runs. I use this one a lot during hurricane season. Buoy 41043This buoy, a few hundred miles north of the Virgin Islands, will show you swell conditions in real time. So, while cruising conditions in the Virgin Islands are usually idyllic, it's wise to give the weather the attention and respect it deserves. Hopefully, the resources and insights shared in this edition will aid you in planning your next adventure.
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