Biscay weather - which weather model is most accurate?

[Franziska]

Hi,

we are preparing our crossing from Ile de Yeu (France) to Gijon (Spain).

Looking at the weather options in Windy and the Grib data from SailgribWR I was wondering which weather models (Arpège, Arôme, GFS,...) folks who have crossed Biscay several times found best for this stretch of water.

I will also look out that most models predict similar results, but still it would be interesting what folks deemed to have best results.

At the moment it looks like a departure on Saturday 2st July would provide a good weather window.
We choose Gijon over a port further to the west, because it is currently blowing harder the closer you get to cape Finistère.

Our cat is a 35ft boat with a hullshape similar to the Wharrams.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[boatman61]

I have been using Passage Weather for years, have found it very useful as a general predictor for passages, sometimes better than others... also look at Windy the last 18mths or so.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I have been using Passage Weather for years, have found it very useful as a general predictor for passages, sometimes better than others... also look at Windy the last 18mths or so.

Thanks Boatie, good recommendation.

Looking at our envisioned Saturday crossing, do you think my assumption that the westwind waves should have died down sufficiently to use the then arrived easterlies to safely sail to Spain is a good one?
We plan to leave around midday, so we can get into the groove by daylight.
Arrival in Gijon would be early Tuesday morning I guess.

[ozolli]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Hi,

we are preparing our crossing from Ile de Yeu (France) to Gijon (Spain).

Looking at the weather options in Windy and the Grib data from SailgribWR I was wondering which weather models (Arpège, Arôme, GFS,...) folks who have crossed Biskay several times found best for this stretch of water.

I will also look out that most models predict similar results, but still it would be interesting what folks deemed to have best results.

At the moment it looks like a departure on Saturday 2st July would provide a good weather window.
We choose Gijon over a port further to the west, because it is currently blowing harder the closer you get to cape Finistère.

Our cat is a 35ft boat with a hullshape similar to the Wharrams.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Arpège / Arôme are often the most accurate as they are computed by the French met office.

When arriving close to Gijon (1 or 2 miles) you usually experience wind drop as the coast is quite high.

[boatman61]

I don't see E'lies, I see you running before N'lies with sea's between 0.5 and 2metres max.
However I would suggest you log into passageweather.com either Friday night or better yet Sat morning and download the 7 day forecast for winds and sea's.
Its the Biscay and things can change fast.

Should add, that's the predominant swell height that's shown on PW.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I don't see E'lies, I see you running before N'lies with sea's between 0.5 and 2metres max.
However I would suggest you log into passageweather.com either Friday night or better yet Sat morning and download the 7 day forecast for winds and sea's.
Its the Biscay and things can change fast.

Should add, that's the predominant swell height that's shown on PW.

Your right, it's more Northerlies, I called them Easterlies because there is an easterly component while we had a westerly component the last few days.

Will check Passageweather also before pulling the hook up.

Thanks to you and the others.
Attachment 260305

[boatman61]

Going by current predictions you should have a fast comfortable sail down..
Enjoy the ride..

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Going by current predictions you should have a fast comfortable sail down..

Enjoy the ride..

Will do. Thank you!

[Sos]

Being a cat don't forget to look at the wind gusts as well as the wind. Windy has another layer for gusts. Have a good trip

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Sos

Being a cat don't forget to look at the wind gusts as well as the wind. Windy has another layer for gusts. Have a good trip [emoji2]

Yes. I'm aware of this. Thanks.

[Franziska]

Thanks, had a good trip and are currently happily in Lastres (ES).
Sunday to Monday night was a bit bumpy while leaving the continent shelf.

We did not push the speed, max was 10kn, we reefed at night, as my boyfriend is still fairly new to sailing.
Happy with 55h total from Pornic to Lastres.

Have a nice evening.

[boatman61]

Glad to hear you had a good trip, I tend to reef the main at night as standard practice sailing shorthanded, keeps everything manageable from the cockpit.
Enjoy the Costa del Morte..