Meteorology study overview

Read forecasts and assess wind, visibility, fronts and sea state.

Practise observation and judgement using sailing scenarios. Interactive questions and your device-local progress load when JavaScript is available.

Study points

• A falling pressure trend can warn of an approaching low or changing weather. Combine it with forecasts and observed conditions.
• Warm fronts often bring layered cloud and prolonged precipitation, but local forecasts and observations take precedence.
• Differential heating can create a daytime onshore sea breeze. Local terrain and larger weather systems can modify it.
• Southwest is 225° true and describes the wind’s source direction. Relative to a 315° bow heading, it lies 90° anticlockwise, on the port beam. The air travels towards northeast, but that destination is not the reported wind direction. Keep absolute compass direction separate from the yacht’s relative aspect.
• Visibility influences safe speed and navigation methods. Restricted visibility requires additional COLREG precautions.
• Forecasts have uncertainty and may not capture local effects. Check updates and monitor actual conditions underway.
• Wind-against-current conditions can make waves steeper and more uncomfortable or dangerous, particularly in shallow or confined water.

Educational revision only. Check current official rules, charts and publications before navigating.