weather forecasting services in med

[lilianroyle]

We are planning to cross from Ajaccio (Corsica) to Toulon in early-mid april. We expect to take about 36 hours and I'm wondering whether its possible to get a professional weather service to give us a detailed prediction for the passage, just before we leave and an estimate of its reliability. Last year I found the various local weather reports frequently contradictory and fairly unreliable. The interaction of the various local and general weather systems also seems more complex and volatile than we are used to in (S) Britain.
Thanks
Pete

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[boatless]

I've used http://www.poseidon.ncmr.gr/ for two years in Greece (laptop/mobile and inet cafes) Absolutely stunning accuracy and free. Shows what the MetOffice ought to be. On one occasion told us that 35 kts would be with us at a particular time, and gone 20 minutes later. We delayed departure, wind arrived and left exactly on time and off we sailed.

Anyway, this http://www.cineca.it/mfstep/Forecast/bulletin.htm?link=F is linked from poseidon, and while not as detailed, it looks as if it should be equally trustworthy.

Hope it helps.

Can tell you that Navtex is not much use for weather out there.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[charles_reed]

Italian weather channel

You might be able to get vhf 26, the automated continuous italian weather channel, it's updated every 6 hours and alternates English/Italian forecasts.

being synthesised the voice is truly extraordinary.

Unfortunately you're probably choosing one of the most unsettled, intemperate times of the year for the trip, with an 80% probability of winds in the N sector.

At that time of year in that area your 90% probable limen is only about 6 hours ahead so I'd tend to look to being fairly close to bolting for the coast tho' there aren't that many harbours in that stretch of Toscania. Speak to Meteo France in Toulouse, they've probably got the most extensive reporting network and I've always found they're pretty accurate - the trouble is the sheer number of micro-areas which makes the generalised forecast almost useless.

Meteo-consult for Ajaccio is 08 36 69 12 34, Météo-France local Corse station 08 36 68 08 20. Mainland 08 36 68 08 06/08.
Your best source of weather routers are in the US, whilst they cost they do speak English (of a sort).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alant]

Re: Italian weather channel

Thought the Italian Military Weather net was VHF 68.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alan]

Re: Italian weather channel

Yeah, weather on Ch68, continuous and alternates Italian/English.

Alan.
Netuno, Italy.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Cloke

 

[Sailorbuoy]

Monaco Radio put out the french meteo each morning, in french and english. I have found them to be a pretty good forecast and better than others in the area.
They have several frequencies, check the almanac or go to www.walterreed.co.uk for a schedule.

<hr width=100% size=1>Sailorbuoy

 

[charles_reed]

Correct

It's 26 in the USA

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[alant]

Re: Correct

Thanks for confirming.

<hr width=100% size=1>