UNDERSTANDING WEATHER AT SEA
From Weather Systems to Smarter Passage Planning
With East Coast Maritime Academy
Date – 28 November 2026
Cost – RN&SYC Members £20.00 Non-Members £75.00
A practical one-day weather course for cruising boat owners. Whether you are taking a day trip or a longer passage, weather is one of the most important factors in safe and enjoyable cruising. How well do you understand what drives it — and how confidently can you interpret the forecast you rely on?
This course bridges the gap between understanding basic weather systems and using modern forecasting tools to make informed decisions at sea.
What You’ll Learn
- Weather Fundamentals: Pressure systems, fronts, wind patterns, and weather development.
- Reading the weather: Understanding synoptic charts, isobars, pressure changes, clouds and the signs of approaching weather.
- Making sense of forecasts: Understanding GRIB files, forecast models, wind, gusts, waves and the limitations of predictions.
- Using modern weather apps: A practical introduction to PredictWind, comparing forecast models and interpreting weather routing information.
- Safe passage planning: Choosing departure windows, assessing changing conditions, identifying risks and knowing when to delay or change plans.
Using real sailing scenarios and PredictWind, we’ll work through planning a passage, comparing forecasts, assessing conditions along the route and making informed go/no-go decisions.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a better understanding of the weather, greater confidence using forecasting apps and a practical approach to safer passage planning.
Please book your place by email, Ian Patience – ian@eastcoastmaritime.academy
