Weather Routing Course for Regattas
Online 300-hour course in weather routing for regattas. 6 modules covering the SOLAS Convention, Chapter V, Regulation 34, IMO Resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for Voyage Planning and Expedition. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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
Interpret the weather situation at synoptic and local scale.
Select appropriate numerical models for each route.
Apply routing algorithms with real polars.
Assess uncertainty through ensemble prediction.
Design a weather strategy for a regatta.
Respect the rules on outside help in regattas.
Prepare a complete routing plan for an offshore regatta.
Who it's for
- Racing sailor wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Weather router wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Marine meteorologist wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Offshore racing skipper wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Route analyst for shipping companies wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Strategy coach wishing to specialise in Weather Routing for Regattas.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join offshore racing teams.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Convention, Chapter V, Regulation 34
- IMO Resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for Voyage Planning
- WMO Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306)
- World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
- World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing, Rule 41
6 modules · 300 h
1.1General circulation of the atmosphere1.2Air masses and fronts1.3Extratropical depressions and their evolution1.4Anticyclones and ridges1.5Tropical cyclones and hurricane season1.6Local winds and thermal effects1.7Ocean currents and tides1.8Wind waves and swell1.9Interpreting surface charts1.10Practice: analysis of an Atlantic isobaric chart
2.1How a numerical prediction model works2.2Global models: GFS and ECMWF2.3High-resolution regional models2.4GRIB format and its parameters2.5Ensemble prediction2.6Model biases and reliability2.7Satellite data and observations2.8Downloading data on slow connections2.9Comparing models for the same route2.10Laboratory: comparing GRIB files from two models
3.1The isochrone method3.2Optimisation by dynamic programming3.3Boat polars as input3.4Zone and ice restrictions3.5Manoeuvre penalties3.6Routing with currents and waves3.7Sensitivity to polars and model3.8Probabilistic routing with ensembles3.9Limitations of automatic routing3.10Workshop: optimal route for an Atlantic crossing
4.1Choosing between route options4.2Managing risk versus gain4.3Positioning relative to the fleet4.4Crossing fronts and wind shifts4.5Sailing in calms and convergence zones4.6Escaping bad-weather systems4.7Planning sail changes4.8Communicating the strategy to the crew4.9Reviewing decisions after the race4.10Case study: strategy at the start of the Fastnet
5.1Voyage planning under alone5.2WMO Marine Weather Services5.3NAVTEX and SafetyNET Warnings5.4Rules on outside help in Regattas5.5Communication Restrictions in Offshore Regattas5.6Weather Safety in Offshore Rules5.7The Skipper's Responsibility in Bad Weather5.8Legal aspects of weather advice5.9Official Sources: AEMET and State Ports5.10Practice: Weather Bulletin for a Regatta
6.1Regatta and study vessel6.2Route climatology6.3Model selection6.4Preparing polars6.5Calculating alternative routes6.6Risk analysis6.7Decision plan6.8Crew briefing report6.9Written report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 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 Expedition, Adrena, qtVlm, OpenCPN, PredictWind, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assessments are based on real routing procedures from a transatlantic regatta, a comparison of weather models on a coastal route, and a retrospective analysis of weather decisions. Assessment is continuous by module, plus a final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Interpret the weather situation at synoptic and local scale.
Select appropriate numerical models for each route.
Apply routing algorithms with real polars.
Assess uncertainty through ensemble prediction.
Design a weather strategy for a regatta.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree 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 consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Expedition, Adrena, qtVlm, OpenCPN and PredictWind. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own 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 higher programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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