Weather Forecast in Celtic Sea

[Helvic hunter]

Another question to the brainS trust that is this forum. We are planning to bring a 35 foot yacht back from Exmouth to Kilmore Quay in Co. Wexford in June. We have an enticing cruise down the West Country to the Scillies planned. However, we were wondering what level of VHF coverage and AM/LW radio coverage (for weather info) there is out in the Celtic Sea between the Scillies and the Irish coast. Another side point - we are considering purchasing a NASA Navtex - what does the forumites think of this bit of kit.

M

 

[earlybird]

Surprised no-one has answered. You'll get lots of VHF weather transmissions from Irish CRS and Swansea CG, all at 3 hourly intervals.
LW 198kHz coverage anywhere I should think, but not so useful IMHO.
NASA Navtex OK when I had one, but I wouldn't get one specially for this trip. If you do, you will probably pick up Valentia for S. Irish seas.

 

[Finbar]

Its about a 24 hr run, so you should be able to get good weather information before leaving to carry you across. In my experience, Grib files downloaded to a pc or tablet are pretty good. These days forecasts are pretty accurate for the first day of coverage. The prevailing wind is from the SW which would give you a good run. Coastguard VHF is generally transmitted from high points so you should only be out of reception range for a short while mid passage. Its a nice trip, and you can leave St Marys after a civilised breakfast and come in across St Patricks Bridge to Kilmore Quay in time for breakfast next day. Enjoy!