Wednesdays Cruises were a decent ride with some slight motion as the Victory 1 made her way through 3-4 foot seas and winds from the East-Northeast around 15-20 knots.

Today we will see more of the same as this high pressure system lifts to our North and East and out of our area.  Winds are forecasted to diminish a bit from yesterday to 10-15 knots from the East with potential for some higher gusts.  The seas will most likely remain the same, anywhere from 2-4 feet with some slight motion experienced mostly during the turns.  The chance of showers is a low 30% which means it is shaping up for another beautiful day on the water.  

Yesterday’s nautical weather fact focused on determining where the center of circulation for an approaching storm is in relation to the mariner.  Today we focus on how mariners navigate around these storms to give their ships the safest and most advantageous routing when severe weather is encountered.  Weather systems generally move from West to East in the northern hemisphere.  At first glance, hurricanes appear to be the exception to the rule, however, they ultimately turn to the East and follow the jet stream like Nor’easters and other weather systems.  

The general rule of thumb for ships making trans-Pacific or trans-Atlantic passages in the northern hemisphere is to stay to the North and “top the low” when proceeding Westbound or to “dive underneath the low” when proceeding Eastbound.  Due to the counter-clockwise rotation of the wind surrounding a low pressure system, both weather routing techniques will keep favorable winds and seas behind the ship making for a better ride, a safer passage, and a much happier crew.  

Until next time, come sail aboard the Victory 1 and enjoy the great weather and what will certainly be a fun day at sea!  I look forward to seeing you aboard.

Capt. Sean