Q & A: Weather Strategy

QUESTION
Matt – advise details on your weather sailing strategy – wholely PredictWind based?
What changes are you observing since departing the Arctic – water, sky, light, wildlife etc.

Doug

MATT’S ANSWER
My forecasts all come from a Predict Wind satellite communicator, which is surprisingly accurate. It tells me the wind but depending on several factors I decide the proper technique. I’m in a gale right now, but its an open ocean gale so its not that bad.
What changes are you observing since departing the Arctic – water, sky,
light, wildlife etc?
I haven’t seen any fog for the last few days. The waters slowly getting warmer, so its not quite as painful to do the dishes. The sky is normal again. In the Arctic the clouds are deceptive and often look like mountains. Theres more wildlife up there.
What MUSTs do you suggest for anyone attempting the NWP?
Write a will (half joking)
There are many things you need to do. I would suggest a person has many many miles of open ocean experience before they try to head north. You should also know your boat inside and out. If you have crew make sure you’ve sailed with them before. It’s gets pretty dicey up there, you don’t want someone flying off the handle.