ABPmer has been keeping track of the forecast for upcoming race days using SEASTATES.

It’s Cowes Week here on the Solent, so a few keen sailors in the ABPmer office have been keeping eye on the weather conditions using SEASTATES. 

After racing was cancelled on Tuesday, the wind has picked up again and looks like it will prevail throughout the week, reaching maximum average wind speeds of 11 knots (gusting 22) on Thursday before decreasing over the weekend. Incidences of heavy weather and variations in wind direction should keep sailors on their toes for the remainder of the week, and hopefully result in some exciting race action. 

Monday started with light winds of 5 knots from the south west; wind strength increased throughout the day and peaked at gusts of 17 knots by the early evening, resulting in another day's great sailing. 

Tuesday saw racing abandoned as a result of the light breezes forecast all day, giving the crews a chance to recuperate after days 1-3.

On Wednesday the racing was back on track, with average wind speeds of 11 knots from North East, wind strength increasing throughout the day and gusts of up to 17 knots. 

Weather forecast for upcoming race days using SEASTATES

Thursday will have an average 11 knots of breeze continuing to blow from the North East, gusting up to 22 knots, which should lead to some good racing. Heavy rain and thunderstorms may affect visibility. Wind will be decreasing towards the end of the day 

Friday: average wind speeds dropping down to 9 knots, however gusts of up to 17 knots will blow through. Wind direction will be veering North East to West throughout the day. Mostly a dry but cloudy day. Cloud likely to clear in time for the post sailing evening aerial displays and fireworks.

Saturday will be the last day of Cowes Week; it looks like there will be good conditions, with the wind backing further to West South West, and the average wind speed picking up to 10 knots (gusting 19 knots), and sunny intervals. 

On Sunday  Cowes week will be finished, but many will remain for the start of the Fastnet race, where there will be average wind speed of 7 knots from the South, gusting up to 10 knots. Starting sunny, cloud increasing throughout the day.

Tidal conditions: spring tides for the remainder of the week, high water at midday, low water in the morning and evening.

Learn more about our SEASTATES hindcast database, or sign up for a free trail of our global downtime calculator, Weather Downtime Express.