PredictWind is very excited to partner with SPIRE & UKMO.

PredictWind’s goal is to deliver the most accurate forecast data available. Having access to the world’s top forecast models enables users to be assured of the best possible forecast.

The 2 new global forecast models (SPIRE & UKMO) are market leaders. PredictWind has proven the accuracy of these weather models in extensive validation studies against weather stations and buoys around the world.

Spire is a truly innovative company with the largest nano satellite network in space. Spire uses a unique technique of measuring the earth’s atmosphere with 3x more radio occultation data than any other commercial entity. This gives an advantage in forecast accuracy for remote locations. The PredictWind validation report proves that the Spire model is #1 for wind speed and direction accuracy using data from offshore weather buoys. It is #2 behind the ECMWF for land-based weather stations.

The UKMO model, otherwise known as the “Unified Model” by the UK Meteorological Office, has a long reputation as a market leader in forecast modelling. The validation study shows the UKMO has very similar accuracy to the ECMWF model offshore, and slightly behind the ECMWF & Spire models for the land-based weather stations. The UKMO model is used by the following Met Offices around the world, and some of the biggest weather companies in the world:

US Air Force
Bureau of Meteorology / CSIRO (Australia)
NIWA (New Zealand)
KMA (South Korea)
Met Office (United Kingdom)
ICM (Poland)
MSS (Singapore)
MoES / NCMRWF (India)
SAWS (South Africa)

With the addition of the Spire and UKMO weather models, PredictWind has an unrivalled offering of weather data. We have a full stable of models that includes the ECMWF, SPIRE, UKMO, GFS, and our proprietary PWG & PWE models for both global and high-resolution local levels.

Together with new long range forecasts and weather routing, it's definitely worth the review.  More details about the weather routing can be found here https://www.predictwind.com/news/new-predictwind-weather-router/

We review these new features running it against the upcoming Melbourne to Devonport race here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=798840880681165

Line Honours to Hartbreaker

It's tough out there with the lack of wind although Hartbreaker have just crossed the line at 15.29.00.   The very light and almost non existent winds has caused a number of boats to retire, these being Blue Water Tracks, Bundaberg, Foggy Dew, Foxy Lady, Hot Chipps, Lady J, Lord Jiminy, Shimmer, Summer's Lease, True Colours, Vagabond, Vertigo, White Spirit and Wingara.  All onboard OK.

1.00 pm Race Director Update

With a shortened course, it seems that the leading group of boats including Wicked, Shimmer, Arcadia and Audere are getting closer to the turn although the winds are light.   The light winds have cause Marie Grace to retire with all onboard OK.  

8.00 am Start Update

After a short delay, all 27 boats have started at 7.45 am in very light winds, so light that some say they can even enjoy a latte and ham and cheese croissant and what a beautiful day as spinnakers start to fill.   WIth Faster Forward first out through the heads and RMS Cole Walker close behind the boats are still enjoying 6 - 7 knots of breeze from the SE as they head toward Cape Schanck.

Faster Forward leads out of the heads.  Photo Matt Fahey

7.30am - Delayed Start of 15 mins.

27 boats and some 130 crew are ready at Queenscliff, for the start of the ORCV first race, the West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint.  On all accounts, there's a light breeze from the East and a stunning day on it's way.  To allow for the deep draft outbound ship (YM Success), the fleet has been given a 15min delay on starting.  

We welcome the new comers of RMS - Cole Walker, Marie Grace, Hot Chipps, Foxy Lady, Foggy Dew, Pegasus, True Colours and Josh the new owner of Audere, who are either on their first ocean race or first ocean race in a long time.  

Today the crews will sail a short 55nm coastal course which could be shortened if winds drop off as predicted. 

With this new found freedom, many crews are competing short handed, either double handed or 4+auto helm as any boat is a contender today to take home the major prize.

Photo:  A gentle start for the first race.  photo  Elke Kellis

27 boats and 124+ crew will tomorrow enjoy some lighter winds as we see a return to sailing with the West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint. There is now a shorten course and shorten finish added with PredictWind indicating winds dropping off as the crews turn to return to the finish. It's great to see so many join the record coastal sprint (category 3) fleet numbers and celebrate the return to ocean sailing. For those boats that have AIS, you can monitor their progress via marine traffic or via the ORCV website or social pages #orcv

Predictwind modelling uses a Beneteau First 40

Crew Opportunities 

Looking for crew or to be crew and sail regularly Offshore?

Mysail.team provides a general availability option for use by both crew and owners who can post a notice, looking for crew with ORCV races as well as delivery crew opportunities.

To be invited as crew, you normally need to demonstrate your sailing experience and qualifications.  These qualifications could include Safety and Sea Survival, First Aid, Radio and Navigation.

To list yourself as crew or your boat who are looking for crew, please go to Mysail.team to sign up, making sure you list yourself against the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV).

The ORCV cannot guarantee you a place on a yacht, although we hope this helps assist both crew and skippers.

Crew registered on MySail.team looking for ORCV yachts:

Scroll down on the below to see the full listing

Good news!  ORCV starting gun is out being polished and ready to start three races before New Year!

The first gun will be fired on November 21st at 7.30 am for the 55nm Category 3 West Offshore Coastal Sprint, starting near Queenscliff and finishing off Portsea Back Beach. It's a great daylight ocean race to test boat, gear and crew and will have yachts home by sunset. Currently, 21 yachts have entered with many will be ocean racing for the first time (or the first time in a long time!). We welcome new ORCV members Jade Cole and Barney Walker, sailing RMS-Cole Walker a new Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 competing in the Double Handed division.  Early entries close Wednesday 11th, 9 am.

The second gun will be fired on 26th December for the very popular boxing day ORCV Melbourne to Blairgowrie 'Cock of the Bay' yacht race. The 34nm course starts near Station Pier in Port Melbourne and is designed to sail past major bayside locations for sailors and spectators alike to view. Some say there is no better way to work off the excesses of Christmas the day before

The third gun will be fired on the 27th December for the ORCV Melbourne to Devonport "Rudder Cup" yacht race. The race is still subject to agreements being finalized with state governments, health authorities and key stakeholders. If approval is not given for the Devonport race, a Melbourne to King Island return race or a Victorian Coastal Race will be held, either way, an ocean race will be run.

The safety, health and well-being of all participants, families and the broader communities is a major focus for the ORCV. Guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19 as outlined here must be strictly adhered to. A number of changes will be made to the races and events this year as we support being COVID safe, with all team briefings will be undertaken online. The traditional social events and parties usually held prior to race and post-race will be modified this year, and there will be restrictions imposed across clubhouses and marinas.

Post New Year races have been updated in ORCV race calendar. Click here

Enter the West Offshore Coastal Sprint Race here

Enter the Melbourne to Devonport Race here

The Cock of the Bay - check back here early next week.