The shore crew will also know the charts well, for we have used them to explain where the boats are and most importantly, why!

Here's a classic example. This one is from the 2011 M2PF and the boats that went further South of Cape Otway earlier in the piece, did better than those that tried to stay in.

So you'll have the hugely informative and completely entertaining Kenn Batt giving you the really good oil on the science of it all, then there'll be Jon to show you how to take said science and turn it into your competitive advantage. During his presentation, Jon will demonstrate and explain:

• How a PredictWind forecast is generated
• Why a PredictWind forecast is different from other forecasts
• How best to use that PredictWind forecast
• An overview of the Predict Wind website
• Detail the PredictWind optimal routing as it pertains to wind and current
• The different comms options you have to receive the info offshore

Right. Now this is a true Tim "But wait - There's more!" Shaw moment. In addition to Kenn and Jon, Tidetech's material on all the currents that are involved in our area of operations will be demonstrated and Sam Roberts of E-Sea Marine Electronics, who was a vital member of the EF shore crew when they won the Volvo Ocean Race, will be also making a presentation on the most valuable tool to racing since carbon fibre, Expedition tactical and navigation software.

This image came to us from Nutcracker as they took their boat up from Sydney to Mooloolaba. It's always hard to get an idea of what the seas are up to, but if you've been there, an image can go 3D on you pretty easily.

The next person to speak with regarding the ORCV's Weather Courseon June 25 and 26, was Neville Rose. Nifty, as he's mostly known, is the ORCV's Rear Commodore, the Training Committee Chairperson and a Yachtmaster Offshore and SSSC Instructor. "As part of the ORCV’s commitment to ongoing and continuous improvement in our training courses, we’ve expanded the Advanced Weather Course section on Technology Developments obtaining weather information onboard."

 "Many yachts are familiar with using onboard computers for basic navigation. However, with improvements to navigation software, available information (including your yacht’s performance polars), weather grib files and the increased availability of internet access at sea, the number of racing yachts using sophisticated routing tools to improve performance, is well and truly on the rise. Cruising yachts are also benefiting from improved passage planning to match the prevailing weather conditions."

"Experienced forecasters never rely on one source of weather information, but in recent years the amount of available weather information has increased exponentially. The ORCV Weather Course will help you make more sense of all this data and includes practical ways that you can make improvements onboard. Whether it’s for improved performance or safer and more enjoyable passage planning, can you afford not to have weather routing as part of your navigation arsenal?"

"By the way, a leading ocean yacht race International Jury has ruled that the use of PredictWind.com during a race was not considered to be a breach of RRS41 (Outside Help)", Nifty finished with.

This pic of Aspect Computing in the 1998 RSHYR, is one of the best for demonstrating foul weather
and we're very thankful to the legendary Richard Bennet for his permission to use his © image on this site.

So then, if it is all too much computer geek for you, we suggest you simply send your Naviguesser. He/She will be spellbound. Best of all, there is a door prize of a PredictWind one year Pro Subscription of AU$499 that some truly lucky crew will be benefitting from immediately. That's a Freebie worth winning!

There are three ways to get some of this expertise:
1. All About The Weather. This is the basic understanding of weather and it will run for one day on Saturday 25/6/11 at a cost of $85.00 for financial ORCV members and $100 for non-members and non-financial members.
2. Yet More Weather. This is all about advanced weather understanding, including long distance ocean racing and tropics. It too runs for one day on Sunday 26/6/11 at a cost of $85.00 for financial ORCV members and $100 for non-members and non-financial members.
3. From Becalmed to Force 12. The complete synoptic picture, it combines both the Basic and Advanced curriculum over both days at a cost of $150.00 for financial ORCV members and $180 for non-members and non-financial members.

Go HERE now to read the outline and more importantly, get the form!!!

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

Please contact me for re-issue rights.