Offshore weather planning and passage making using IridiumGo and Predictwind is presented by veteran sailors with proven offshore experience. The course will provide an overview of the Marine Package, the software (weather emails, tracking and communication) and the plans from IridiumGo and PredictWind. In addition, it will provide insights into the best features to use as well as tips on using IridiumGo on passage making. The instructors will also reference many good tutorials and webinars specific to PredictWind and IridiumGo. Having used IridiumGo and PredictWind throughout their offshore travels, Anne and Dick are sharing their knowledge and hands-on experience in hopes that it will help other sailors, whether these tools are already onboard or being considered.
Instructors
Anne Woodson and Dick Towson joined BCA in 1996 as “dreamers”, and purchased their vessel, Full & By, a 35’ Baba, in 2005. Dick was a CYA sailing instructor and Anne has her CYA offshore certification. After four years getting ready for offshore sailing, with the help of BCA, they set sail for Mexico in 2010. Ten years later, in 2020 they returned to BC from French Polynesia via Hawaii. This return, needless to say, was more challenging than expected due to COVID lockdowns. Full & By reached Victoria after 5 months, and 8000 nautical miles (while spending only 10 weeks ashore, 6 weeks in the Marquesas and a month in Hawaii).