Weather for the Melbourne Stanley Race 2015

The weather is looking fabulous for a great race across to Stanley this year. Prevailing winds will be from the East at around 20 knots. This means that the yachts will be on a reach achieving good speed in a direct line to Stanley. The race record of just over 14 hours will be under threat if these conditions remain as forecast. The larger boats should be across in around 13 hours. The mid-sized Beneteau First 40 type boats will arrive around mid-afternoon 1400 or so and the smallest yachts should join the party by 2200.

For all of you weather gurus there are no weather warning for the area in the next 24 hours. Winds will be from the East around 10-15 knots strengthening to 20 knots. The swell will be a minor impediment around a metre from the South west. Prevailing high pressure system over Tasmania will move slowly to the east as a cold front eases in from South Australia. This means late Saturday the winds will start to move North-easterly at about 20 knots. During Sunday morning the cold front will start to move the wind around to the west at about 15knots and bring possibility of showers. So while it may be a little cooler for the return trip good reaching conditions running with the swell should make for a pleasant sail.

Hope you have a great trip Simon and Bruce