First determine when is a good day to leave. Use departure planning tool in predict wind. Look at the tables not the animations. Main things I look at is Gust, Wave and CAPE. Look at the details and find the outliers. Sometimes what seems like a good window on average is hiding some bad weather on small parts of a passage.
You need to look at various models to know if the predictions are likely to be true or just a wild shot.
If the CAPE is high (above 1500 - ideally under 1000) I know weather is likely unstable and squalls likely.
Once I determine a good day I go into the sail planning tool. Mainly looking at gust maps, currents, wave and Cape. Using all available models. Make sure to also zoom way out to see what is happening around you. Often predict wind doesn’t take into account residual swell from systems nearby.
Most importantly, if you have time is to validate the data you see on screen with reality. So pick tomorrow for example - check the different models and see which one got it right on that day. You also have validation tools on predict wind which helps guide you towards the most accurate model in that particular area.
And finally update your route daily until you depart. I believe PredictWind updates the models every 8 hour.
Hope this helps. Play around with it and happy to jump on a call where we can run through the different tools.
Oh and make sure you set polars on PredictWind.
And as you know remember that they are only predictions. They often get it wrong. Not very helpful I know but always best to be prepared for worst weather than predicted.
Redundant anchor marking
Diesel bug
