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Solo Sailor around the Americas
I have used PredictWind’s weather forecast for over 18,000 miles from the Northwest Passage in the Arctic to Cape Horn, and I have found their service to be accurate even in the most remote regions of our planet.
Having safe and reliable weather forecast adds a great deal of safety to any ocean voyage. PredictWind produces a forecast that is not just accurate for 24-48 hours but can see heavy weather anomalies many days in advance. At one point I was sailing along the north coast of Alaska and PredictWind forecasted a storm 8 days before it hit. The storm was an old typhoon that had travelled across the Pacific from Japan. I was near Point Barrow and about to turn south down the west coast of Alaska. Because I knew the storm was coming I was able to slow down and let the worst of the weather pass to the south.
Sometimes weather changes quickly, low pressure systems build and decrease and are effected by other high and low pressure systems in their proximity. Since PredictWind updates there reports every 12 hours you can stay well informed and no storm will be a surprise. I receive my forecasts from my PredictWind Satellite Communicator (now replaced by the
Iridium GO! which adds voice & Internet access and an Unlimited Data Plan!). Since it uses Iridium technology I can receive my forecasts anywhere on earth. It also gives me the ability to set a new waypoint at any time, so if I need to change my route my weather forecast will change accordingly. There is also a tracking feature that lets friend and family see my current speed and position. You can check out my position and route at
www.solotheamericas.org. The Satellite Communicator (now replaced by the
Iridium GO! which adds voice & Internet access and an Unlimited Data Plan!) also gives me the ability to send and receive emails which eliminates the need for expensive satellite phones (not to mention how much sat phone minutes cost). PredictWind is at the forefront of weather forecasting technology.
Why spend over $2,500 on a SSB or a sat phone when you can get everything you need for half the price? Safety is the most important part of any ocean voyage. Knowing what weather lies ahead could save your life. I highly recommend Satellite Communicator (now replaced by the
Iridium GO! which adds voice & Internet access and an Unlimited Data Plan!). You will not find me sailing without one.
(Written from 53 south 63 west)”