PredictWind has launched a new artificial intelligence marine technology feature designed to help offshore sailors choose the best departure window and prepare for conditions at sea.
The new AI Weather Router, launched on Monday, 26 October, turns complex weather routing calculations into plain-English briefings, comparing up to four departure options and recommending whether a skipper should leave, proceed with caution or postpone a passage.
The launch comes as cruising yachts prepare for Atlantic crossings from Europe to the Caribbean, where choosing a suitable weather window is a key part of passage planning.
Comparing Departure Windows
The system interprets weather forecasts through PredictWind's existing routing calculations, based on the vessel's performance characteristics and the skipper's preferences, rather than generating its own forecasts.
It interprets routes calculated across eight forecast models, examining wind strength, gusts, passage duration, upwind sailing, motoring, rainfall and potential thunderstorms.
Each departure option receives a score out of ten, with the system explaining the reasons behind its recommendation.
The resulting briefing also describes how conditions are likely to change throughout a passage, including potentially demanding sections and periods when crew comfort may be affected.
PredictWind says the system highlights declining forecast confidence further into a passage, particularly beyond approximately five days.
Weather Briefings for Crews
PredictWind founder Jon Bilger, who worked on weather forecasting for two America's Cup-winning campaigns, said the aim was to make professional-style weather briefings accessible to more sailors.
"When I was forecasting the weather for two America's Cup-winning campaigns, every morning started with a briefing that turned the forecasts into a clear plan for the day," Bilger said.
"AI Weather Router gives every sailor that same kind of briefing. It reads the routes the way an expert router would, tells you which day to leave and why, and is honest about where the forecast becomes less certain."
For Professional subscribers, additional boat motion analysis examines rolling, vertical acceleration and slamming, together with their potential effects on seasickness, fatigue and crew safety.
The company emphasises that the system is intended to support, rather than replace, the skipper's judgement.
Available to Subscribers
AI Weather Router is available to Standard and Professional subscribers through PredictWind's website, mobile app and Offshore App.
The launch follows PredictWind's introduction of Global Rain Radar and Hybrid Satellite Imagery earlier this year.
PredictWind is also hosting a free webinar on Atlantic crossing preparation on Wednesday, 28 October, from 7pm to 8pm Irish time. Presented by professional sailor Keryn McMaster, it will demonstrate weather routing, departure planning and the new AI feature.
Further information is available from PredictWind.
