Help, planning bluewater trip, can't find detailed current chart

[capn_billl]

Now that I have a "real" boat, I'm looking a little further out from the coastal cruising of my past.

I've once saw a chart that had detailed world ocean currents with traditional names, including the Orinoco flow, and various branches of the Gulf stream, Guinea, Humholt, and a bunch of currents, and flow in North Sea with Norwegian names, probably named by ancient vikings or somebody.

Have been totally unable to Google, I just get endless pages on Global warming, Interesting, but not helpful for passagemaking, or little thumbnail pictures that want money.

Any resources like Noaa online charts I can download?

[Scott Berg]

This is what you need. Add a copy of World Cruising Routes and you're in great shape. https://cornellsailing.com/publicati...s-ocean-atlas/

[TeddyDiver]

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/V...ocean_currents

[DefinitelyMe]

We generally use the 'currents' overlay on windy.com

We take a few screenshots of it and any key areas before a passage. Works for us, gives a good approximation of actual, real-time currents (rather than just historical averages) and is free.

[roverhi]

Pilot Charts have current and prevailing wind information by season. They are based on real world experience of ships over many years. https://www.offshoreblue.com/navigat...lot-charts.php

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

We generally use the 'currents' overlay on windy.com

We take a few screenshots of it and any key areas before a passage. Works for us, gives a good approximation of actual, real-time currents (rather than just historical averages) and is free.

That’s what I do when crossing the Gulf Stream.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by DefinitelyMe

We generally use the 'currents' overlay on windy.com

RTOFS and OSCAR gribs are also readily available over HF/SSB/Pactor and satellite. Of course over the Internet. See Home Page

Good data shows eddies and meanders. All is guidance. Learn how to set your depth sounder to show sea temperature. That's the best indication of when you really have found a current.

Plan for currents but don't chase around the ocean trying to find one - you'll never make up the hunt time.

[sailing_gal]

One of the best places for charts and books:

Cruising guides, Navigational Charts and other supplies - Bluewater Books & Charts