Grib files / current data

[bbg]

I understand some hot shot racers use Maxsea software to help with routing for long distance racers.

Having looked at the website, it seems that the software takes the boats polars, grib files (for wind) and current data to determine an optimum route for the passage.

But where would one get the grib files and the current data?

Sorry for what might be an obvious question, but I have not done this kind of navigating before.

 

[vyv_cox]

You can view any grib file using Maxsea software. I download gribs from Grib.us but there are several other sources, have a look at Frank Singleton's website for a very full overview.

Until recently I had Raymarine, Maxsea and Grib-US software on my laptop. Any of them would look at various files from different sources. The Raymarine and Maxsea programs were very large and for my needs gave nothing that the Grib-us would not give, so I deleted them.

 

[mixmaster]

Like vyv said you can use any grib files. However, maxsea have a utility inside the app that lets you get grib data from maxsea. You can use mobile, satphone, internet connection, ssb, whatever with it. The amount of data available is greater then the grib.us (GFS model). Although I think grib.us is great and used it on my biscay crossing last summer.

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes, I omitted to say that the Maxsea gives wave height, but not in the Med so no use to me. You can also download gribs free through the Raymarine software but I found Grib.us much quicker and easier than either of them.