Weather Forecast Interpretation
with Jamie & Behan Gifford | Sailing Totem
Weather wins! Master this essential skill to enjoy smooth sailing and live the cruising dream.
90 Minutes
English
Unlimited Access
Whether you're a coastal cruiser or preparing for offshore passages, understanding weather is critical to safety, comfort, and timing. In this two-part class, learn how to use tools better - and what sailors often miss while interpreting GRIBs, to prevent mistakes when it’s your turn to assess weather forecast data. We’ll also review techniques to validate forecasts and understand model differences, plus what to look for underway so weather changes don’t catch you by surprise.
Whether you're new to cruising or looking to deepen your weather skills, this two-part online class offers practical, judgment-based techniques to help you make smarter, safer decisions underway and at anchor.
Part One covers the fundamental weather features every cruiser should recognize and explores how forecasts are created—highlighting the differences between human-generated and computer-based models. You'll learn how these sources influence routing decisions and why understanding their limitations matters. We'll also break down the right and wrong ways to use weather apps and teach you how to decode GRIB files more accurately—going beyond surface-level symbology to uncover implied meanings and develop a more accurate “real-feel” forecast.
Part Two builds on the knowledge from Part One and introduces real-time observational tools such as satellite imagery, radar, and buoy data. While forecast models are generalized and often outdated by the time you use them, real-time observations reveal where lightning, atmospheric instability, and high winds are occurring—vital information for avoiding rough areas or understanding what may be bearing down on a calm anchorage. Finally, we’ll integrate all of these tools and techniques into routing strategies designed to support faster, safer, and more comfortable passages.
Who is this online class for?
This two-part online class is for regional and offshore sailors seeking to keep sailing fun and safe by making good weather choices and avoiding uncomfortable, dangerous, and scary conditions. Information is useful for a total beginner, but the experienced sailor is also expected to glean new information.
What Will I Learn?
Weather significantly impacts the daily experiences of cruising sailors. Beautiful sailing backed by sunsets and rainbows is a dream that feels like a myth after poor weather understanding puts a crew in unexpectedly uncomfortable or dangerous conditions: rough water, high winds, or lightning and squalls. This online course demonstrates why weather forecasts are easily misunderstood and helps participants to learn simple methods to avoid making common mistakes. Beginning with marine weather fundamentals and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of synoptic charts, text, and GRIB forecasts, this online class provides a solid foundation for accurately interpreting GRIB forecasts, including valuable techniques to gauge forecast accuracy.
List of Topics:
- Fundamental weather features every cruiser should know.
- How forecasts are derived (human vs computer vs AI) and why these differences matter.
- The right way (and wrong way) to use weather apps.
- Decoding implied meanings in GRIB symbology for better understanding.
- What’s the best model and how to assess options based on your location.
- Using real-time observations to improve your forecast interpretation accuracy.
- Getting to “real feel” and the composite forecast approach that works.
- Applying the skills learned to think like a weather router.
Master The Weather, Live The Dream
Sail with Confidence
Master the art of reading forecasts and spotting reliable data. Avoid common mistakes, make smarter calls, and keep your crew safe and comfortable—whether you’re day sailing or crossing oceans.
See Beyond the GRIBs
Decode hidden meanings in forecast maps and blend them with real-time observations like radar and satellite imagery, so you can adjust plans before weather surprises you.
Dodge Rough Conditions
Spot trouble early to steer clear of squalls, high winds, and rough seas. Turn potential discomfort into smooth, enjoyable passages through proactive, informed decisions.
Navigate Like a Pro
Think like a weather router—combine models, observations, and local knowledge to choose faster, safer, and more comfortable routes every time you sail.
Your Instructor
BEHAN & JAMIE GIFFORD
Behan and Jamie Gifford are lifelong sailors who have logged tens of thousands of miles cruising internationally aboard their Stevens 47, Totem. They bring real-world experience to every lesson they teach—whether it's on watermakers, weather routing, or the day-to-day decisions that make cruising life successful and fulfilling. After more than 15 years of full-time cruising and working directly with hundreds of coaching clients, their expertise is rooted in practical knowledge and passion for life on the sea.
