Weather for the weekend

[stevie69p]

Sitting here on the boat also in JW Dock... decided not to sail this weekend and starting to look like the right decision. It's dreich and the wind's starting to pick up now. Internal painting projects have been started however, so it's not all negative

 

[Sgeir]

Would others go for it in this weather?

I wouldn't take novices out in anything more than a F5.

TBH, inshore forecasts of F5-7 have been pretty common in previous summers for The West, although (until this season) they have tended usually to top out at a 6, but be prepared for some nasty gusts.

You have to look at wind direction, sea state conditions, the barometer etc and make your own judgement. But, with islands and sea lochs there are usually safe anchorages rarely more than four hours away, so, I'd guess that inshore f/c conditions of 5-7 are usually manageable without too much drama.

This season has been a bit odd. We've found that the inshore forecasts (and the Grib files etc) have tended to underestimate the wind strength. Also, over last three weeks or so, the forecast wind directions have been wildly at odds with reality.

There has been a bunch of lows spinning across the Atlantic so perhaps not surprising that detailed local forecasts have been a bit out.

Hoping for better weather......

 

[[2574]]

In my role as self-appointed Clyde tourist office, I suggest you have a wee jaunt north to see the Maid of the Loch at Balloch, perhaps combined with the Testing Tank at Dumbarton.

Thank you for that tip, regrettably we are without wheels and Greenock seems not to do hire cars, but for a future stormbound weekend that looks like an interesting diversion.