Offshore Weather Forecasting with Scott Crawshaw

Forecasting and withstanding weather conditions are major aspects of cruising under sail and power; whether riding it out offshore, seeking safety in a protected anchorage, or avoiding being too close to a lee shore. This two day workshop, taught by Scott Crawshaw, a highly qualified instructor and former BCA member, begins with the fundamentals of weather (see Basic Weather Forecasting) and shows how weather satellites and technology have transformed forecasting to show cruisers the best way to combine their own observations with technology.

Scott’s recent delivery of this course in Victoria received the highest rating by far of any past VI Education offering in the last four years in terms of content; relevance; instructor presentation, and an increased feeling of competence among participants. Over 95% of the participants rated Scott’s workshops 5 out of 5!

Course Topics:

• Anti-Cyclones
•  Swell and Sea Waves
•  Surface Water Circulation
• Upper Air Charts and Satellite Imagery
• Gaps and Promontory Winds
• Tropical and Sub-Tropical Weather
• Tropical Cyclone Formation and Avoidance
• Voyage Planning

BONUS:  Through interactive exercises, participants will “virtually sail” from Victoria to Maui, making navigational decisions based on real time weather conditions. Tactics will include seeking safety by avoiding foul weather and ensuring boat speed by avoiding becalmed situations.

Scott Crawshaw has over 50,000 miles of ocean water experience and 35 years in sailboats. This includes skippering the Royal Canadian Navy’s Tall Ship, HMCS Oriole and four years of offshore sailing with his family aboard the sailing vessel Peregrinata. His qualifications include a Transport Canada Master Mariner, unlimited tonnage; a Navy Surface Command Qualification, unlimited tonnage; an ISPA Instructor qualification, and a recipient of the CYA Yachtmaster Ocean award.  Scott has a degree in Physics and Physical Oceanography from Royal Roads Military College.  He currently resides in the UK with his wife Sonia, where he is filling an exchange position with the Royal Navy for the next three years.

If you are planning on cruising the Gulf Islands during July, consider anchoring in Tsehum Harbour and dinghying to shore for this great course.