Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors Course
Online 300-hour course in advanced meteorology for racing sailors. 6 modules with the WMO Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471), the WMO Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) and WRF. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer over the sea.
Predict the development of sea breezes and coastal effects.
Interpret clouds and convection to anticipate gusts.
Use high-resolution models and verify their results.
Integrate local observations into race strategy.
Comply with the rules on outside assistance in competition.
Prepare a local weather forecast for a race day.
Who it's for
- Race team meteorologist wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Race tactician wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Strategy coach wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Meteorological analyst wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Race officer wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Navigator wishing to specialise in Advanced Meteorology for Racing Sailors.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join racing teams.
What you'll work with
- WMO Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471)
- WMO Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306)
- WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49)
- World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, rule 41
- World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Vertical structure of the lower atmosphere1.2Atmospheric stability and instability1.3Vertical wind gradient1.4Wind veer with height1.5Differences between cold and warm air over water1.6Turbulence and gusts1.7Temperature inversions and surface wind1.8Influence of water temperature1.9Effects on sail performance1.10Practice: estimating the gradient from soundings
2.1Sea and Land Breezes 2.2 Daily Development of the Breeze 2.3 Gradient Wind versus Breeze 2.4 Coastal Effects: Channeling and Acceleration 2.5 Island and Headland Effects 2.6 Katabatic and Anabatic Winds 2.7 Regional Winds of the Mediterranean 2.8 Convergence Lines 2.9 Breeze Forecasting on a Racing Area 2.10 Case Study: Breeze in the Bay of Cadiz
3.1Cloud classification for the racing sailor3.2Cumulus clouds and their effect on the wind3.3Gusts beneath convective clouds3.4Showers and gust fronts3.5Thunderstorms and electrical risk3.6Clouds as an indicator of wind shift3.7Diurnal cycle of convection3.8Satellite and radar imagery3.9Thunderstorm safety in racing3.10Workshop: sky reading and gust forecasting
4.1Mesoscale models and their resolution4.2The WRF model and its configuration4.3AEMET models and regional services4.4Assimilation of local observations4.5Model-to-observation comparison4.6Statistical model correction4.7Ensemble forecasting at local scale4.8Use of buoys and coastal stations4.9Reliability according to synoptic situation4.10Laboratory: verifying a model on a racing area
5.1Observations before the start5.2Recording wind shifts and pressure5.3Oscillating and persistent patterns5.4Wind statistics on the course5.5Integrating data into strategy5.6Communication between the meteorologist and the crew5.7Rules on outside assistance5.8Official sources and marine bulletins5.9Post-race review of the forecast5.10Case study: choosing a side of the course in a breezy race
6.1Study racing area6.2Local wind climatology6.3Analysis of local phenomena6.4Selection of models and sources6.5Observation protocol6.6Forecast for a race day6.7Forecast verification6.8Strategic recommendations for the crew6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is WRF, Windy, PredictWind, Expedition, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real procedures for forecasting breezes on a racing area, verifying high-resolution models, and recording and analysing wind shifts during training. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer over the sea.
Predict the development of sea breezes and coastal effects.
Interpret clouds and convection to anticipate gusts.
Use high-resolution models and verify their results.
Integrate local observations into race strategy.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses WRF, Windy, PredictWind and Expedition. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Ethics in Simulated Academic Cyberattacks
Online 300-hour course in ethics in simulated academic cyberattacks. 6 modules covering Directive 2013/40/EU (attacks against information systems), the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001) and Kali…
Course on SMR Governance in a Global Context
Online course of 300 h in SMR Governance in a Global Context. 6 modules covering IAEA SSR-2/1 Rev. 1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design), Convention…
Course in Ethics in Secure Military Communications
Online 300-hour course in ethics in secure military communications. 6 modules covering ISO/IEC 15408 (Common Criteria), FIPS 140-3 (cryptographic modules) and GNU Radio. Assigned tutor and…
More in Civil, Rail & Smart Cities
All Civil, Rail & Smart Cities programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships