Last year someone on the Merlin site flagged up a weather forecasting site and although I thought that I had bookmarked it I can't see it anywhere and sadly I can't remember its name.  It was pretty accurate over last summer so if anyone would like to make suggestions as to what they use I might just pick it up again otherwise it's going to be Heather the Weather or (poor name for a weather forecaster) Gail (!!) on a Friday and Saturday to put me in the picture.

This might be one of them

Wind Guru at http://www.windguru.cz is very popular at WSC.

That's the very one - thanks

I like:-

Metcheck  http://www.metcheck.com/
Weather Online  http://expert.weatheronline.co.uk/uv10_frame.htm
for wind. Precipitation map also available!!

If you use the Windguru spot search you'll find most sailing clubs have been added by members as unofficial spots - very useful.

Have looked at them all and am really searching for the one that DOESN'T say 3C and 28+mph wind in Dundee area on Sunday!!  Better try Hawaii breeze.com!!!!!

My home page has a simple 'Google' and many useful links for dinghy sailors. If you loose your bookmarks etc come to it. The name is easy to remember. Suggestions for other links etc. welcome.

So the seaweed hanging on a nail by the back door is no good????

No, seaweed is no good.  You should use the state of your arthritic joints to predict weather

Herring is good for your joints, lots of Omega 3.

Gliding is even more dependent on the weather than is sailing so reliable forecasts including wind speed and direction are desirable. There are several websites containing detailed forecasts for glider pilots which could also be useful to sailors. 

www.weatherjack.co.uk - idiosyncratic but includes useful links to help with your own forecasting.
www.gliding.co.uk (British Gliding Association)- several weather links
www.weather.co.uk 
www.metcheck.com

This is interesting but for us at Brightlingsea we have to take into account our wonderful microclimate! For those who have never sailed here, you have several opportunites this year with a ST event, vintage meeting and Pyefleet Week.  Give us a look.

Plug complete so please carry on!

We're still not sure about this microclimate after last year when there was more fresh rainwater in the boat than salt water around it! Have pencilled in Pyefleet week anyway so we'll give it another chance.

Well Pat, its 07:15 and in Colchester the snow is falling enough to make a Christmas card scene.  I bet its sunny and balmy 7 miles away and picnics being prepared for another day at the beach! That bet is as safe as the one I had on a race at Aintree yesterday.

Today is boat cover repair day in front of the telly.

Sailing at Wembley today started with a snowball fight.  Sailed 2 races in a force 2.  Only 3 Merlins turned out, plus Duncan/Ian who went to Ranelagh (compared to 9 last week).  Those who looked out at the 8.00 am blizzard, and gave up, missed a nice day out.

Totally agree with you Alan - Thanks to you and Mr. Donaghue for forcing my hand (Duty officer) over the issue, and thanks to Racing Officer who turned up and volunteers for manning rescue boat. At 9;15 it didn't look it was going to happen, at 10;15 3 Merlins and 2 MRXs made for the busiest of all the starts - a nice days racing and some useful points to start the new Spring series. Congrats to Mr. Donaghue winning the first race (just)
with borrowed crew.