Weather Routing / Private Weather Forecasts

Weather Routing From LakeErieWX

If you aren’t familiar with marine weather forecasting, creating a forecast for your long-distance racing or cruising trip can be challenging and time-consuming. Finding the most appropriate sources of weather information and interpreting the data can be difficult and confusing. A private forecast package (which includes routing) from LakeErieWX can relieve this burden and allow you to focus on other important last-minute preparations.

A Private Forecast Package from LakeErieWX includes:

• Marine Weather Forecasting Guide: You will receive a copy of the LakeErieWX Marine Weather Forecasting Guide designed to decode the confusing symbols and shorthand included on weather forecast graphics.
• Preliminary Briefings: A detailed written discussion of the large-scale weather pattern and the potential for severe weather during the forecast period. The preliminary briefings also include a written wind and wave forecast. Preliminary briefings are sent via email on the day preceding the delivery of your Private Forecast.
• Private Forecast With Routing: A multi-page Private Forecast will be sent to you in PDF format the evening prior to your race or cruise departure. The forecast will include the following:
• A detailed discussion and supporting forecast graphics showing the expected weather conditions including:
• The location and movement of high and low pressure systems.
• The passage of cold fronts, warm fronts, stationary fronts, and troughs, including the anticipated impact on the wind.
• The potential for thunderstorms and organized severe weather including when, where, and what type of storms are expected.
• A detailed wind speed, wind direction, gust speed, and wave height forecast at 3-hour intervals.
• A computer-generated routing solution based on the preferred wind forecast and your yacht’s unique performance characteristics (your boat’s polar data is required).
• Consultations: Your questions regarding the forecast will be answered via email or telephone.

Event specific sample Private Forecasts and pricing:

• Bayview Mackinac Race (click here)
• Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac-Racing Division (click here)

Limited Availability
Creating a private forecast is time-consuming, therefore a limited number of customers are accepted for each event. Please contact me at Mark@LakeErieWX.com to sign up before spaces are filled.

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Mark Thornton

Mark Thornton has been boating on the Great Lakes for more than 30 years. Mark recently transitioned from sailing and now owns Osprey, a Mainship 34 Pilot. He is a 2006 graduate of the Penn State University Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, a two-year program that develops skills in general, tropical, and severe weather forecasting.

He is the president of LakeErieWX LLC, a company dedicated to providing marine weather education and forecasting resources for recreational boaters (www.lakeeriewx.com). Mark publishes a marine weather blog and teaches basic forecasting seminars to recreational boaters during the off-season. He has served as the Race Meteorologist for the Bayview Race to Mackinac since 2014. Mark is employed as a Teaching Assistant in the Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting Program at Penn State University.

Click here to read about my marine weather forecasting seminars, webinars and presentations. Click here for the current schedule of educational programs.

Email: Mark@LakeErieWX.com
Phone: 440.250.9179