Gust and wind speeds on Windy

[Rough Magic]

I've found Predict Wind to be the best wind app. Consistently accurate around the Los Angeles harbor area.

[zabbaskeema]

We crossed the Pacific from Panama to the Gambiers and we were caught off guard once. After that we quickly figured that we needed to consider the gusts wind speed as the regular wind we were to expect!

This was with Predict wind but has nothing to do with PW it’s just the messenger

[rognvald]

If you're looking for specific, localized wind speeds, you'll find most sources are inaccurate--especially, as others have noted, close to land. When we ready for a passage window, we look at as many models as possible and use a general average as our forecast. We also look at wind direction in relation to frontal systems and decide whether it trends towards the strongly active or benign. If we know the area, we can factor common weather patterns we've seen in the past. In the end, it's an educated guess. Remember, most meteorologists have a Ph.D. in Meteorology and they're often wrong. Isn't this "mystery" part of the allure of sailing and living in Mother Nature? Good luck and safe sailing . . .Rognvald

[Mike Banks]

Wind speeds are more of an average over time. Forecasters should stress this--but often do not.

Gusts are the top intermittent wind velocities in that range, and they are the ones for which you must rig--if you dislike the costs of repairing torn sails and broken spars and cordage.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Mike Banks

Wind speeds are more of an average over time. Forecasters should stress this--but often do not.

Gusts are the top intermittent wind velocities in that range, and they are the ones for which you must rig--if you dislike the costs of repairing torn sails and broken spars and cordage.

Well, here in Oz the BOM prefaces every broadcast and every posted f/c with the statement that wind speeds are averages and gusts may be up to 40% stronger. It is surprising how many Aussie sailors have never actually thought about what this means! This lack of understanding is the source of many of the "bloody forecasts are worthless" rants one hears.

The idea of rigging for the gust strength depends on how one is sailing. Racing sailors learn to feather through the gusts and rig for the average winds,more or less. Cruisers, especially those who turn the helm over to an autopilot or vane don't have that option, and thus rig for the gusts. Different worlds!

Jim

[Blaine]

Rough Magic, re: Predict Wind in the L.A. harbor area, which forecast model do you use?

Thanks!