Marine Weather Planning
with Lisa & Andy Batchelor | Kinetic Sailing
Learn how to refine your navigation & route planning skills by incorporating marine weather, observations, and technology.
3 Hours
English
Unlimited Access
In this online class, guided by Captain Lisa Batchelor Frailey — seasoned meteorologist and passagemaking expert — we'll explore seamlessly integrating navigation, weather, and oceanography to plan your routes and passages with precision and confidence. Learn how to manage risks effectively and leverage favorable conditions for safe and successful coastal and ocean journeys.
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Who is this online class for?
An online class for sailors of all levels seeking to enhance their understanding of weather dynamics to optimize their sailing plans accordingly. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting out, this course offers valuable insights into interpreting weather charts, utilizing weather models, and effectively navigating bluewater passages, equipping you with the confidence to navigate diverse weather conditions at sea.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Explore essential weather topics while gaining a deep understanding of marine weather dynamics. Learn to interpret synoptic weather charts, evaluate GRIB files, and work with weather routers to optimize passage planning. Finally, through a detailed passage scenario from Norfolk VA to USVI, participants will acquire practical insights into climatology, route planning, Gulf Stream crossing, and enroute weather observations, to gain the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate effectively.
List of Topics:
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Marine Weather Basics: What Mariners Need to Know
Circulation around Highs and Lows · Winds, Fronts & Clouds · Sea State Parameters -
Navigation Basics
Passage Planning Methodology · Climatology · Tides & Currents · Getting Data & Information while Offshore · Vessel Performance & Constraints -
GRIB Files and Viewers
Pros & Cons · Strategy · Apps & Chartplotters · Marine Weather Sources -
Weather Models and Marine Parameters
Reading a Synoptic Weather Chart · Key NOAA OPC Products for Mariners -
Weather Routers
Human & Automated -
Gulf Stream
Weather and Navigation Considerations -
Passage Scenario - Norfolk VA to USVI
Climatology · Route Planning & Departure Timing · Gulf Stream Crossing · Enroute Weather & Observations
4 REASONS SAILORS MUST LEARN ABOUT WEATHER
Safety
Severe weather conditions like storms, high winds, and large waves can pose significant dangers to sailors. Being aware of approaching bad weather allows them to take precautions, such as altering the course, seeking shelter, or preparing the vessel to withstand the conditions.
Navigation
Weather influences sea currents, wind direction, and visibility, all of which can affect navigation. Sailors use this knowledge to plot the most efficient and safe routes.
Planning and Timing
Weather forecasts allow sailors to plan their trips around favorable conditions, reducing delays and optimizing travel times. The wind is a sailor's fuel, so advantageous winds can significantly shorten a journey.
Equipment and Vessel Preparedness
Different weather conditions require different equipment setups, such as reefing sails in high winds or using special navigational tools in low visibility. Maintenance and operation of onboard systems, such as engines, navigation equipment, and safety gear, may be influenced by temperature, humidity, or sea state.
Your Instructor
LISA & ANDY BATCHELOR
Captains Andy Batchelor and Lisa Batchelor Frailey are both lifelong sailors and retired military officers. Andy served in the Royal Air Force in aviation and intelligence, and Lisa served in the US Navy in aviation, meteorology and oceanography – a combination of skills that have proven very useful to sailing and passagemaking. They founded and operated Sail Solomons ASA school and charter base, receiving numerous awards for ASA Outstanding School and Outstanding Instructors.
Andy and Lisa wrote ASA’s textbooks for Bareboat Cruising, Catamaran Cruising, and Dinghies and Outboard and are the primary contributors to ASA’s Advanced Cruising and Seamanship text. Their most recent book, Docking & Maneuvering Made Easy, is American Sailing’s new textbook for the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement. Lisa also regularly teaches the ASA 119, Marine Weather Endorsement.
Cruising for seven years onboard their Passport 47 ZINGARO and Outbound 46 KINETIC, Andy and Lisa have made numerous coastal passages and ocean voyages, conducting cruising and passagemaking training while living aboard in exotic locations. They also organize and lead sailing flotillas on cruising catamarans and monohulls in the Caribbean.
Andy and Lisa are regular speakers at Cruisers’ University and present many live and virtual seminars. Andy and Lisa launched Kinetic Sailing to offer marine consulting, charter brokerage, instructional yacht deliveries and tailored instruction with a global scope. They are USCG Captains, cruisers, instructors, analysts and business owners with a wealth of experience in the sailing industry.
