Ocean Marine Nav

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Finally, some good news about the Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. BP has been able to hook up a pipe to suck up some of the oil that has been spilling out for the last month or so. This oil should be heading up to waiting tankes. Hopefully this will be beginning to the end to one of the most devastating Oil Spills in our nations history. It already has the change to be the worlds biggest. Hopefully this development will prevent that from happening.

Unfortunately, all the news may not be good. According to NOAA forecast models, it appears the models believe oil from the spill has starting to get picked up by the Loop current in the northern Gulf of Mexico. If this is true, then it could be only a matter of time before the oil starts to move south along the Florida Coast and maybe into the Gulf Stream and north along the coast of Florida. This would only add to the disaster.

Keep in mind that ANY vessel that is moving to/from the Gulf of Mexico and now the east coast of Florida needs to monitor this pattern closely. Getting the heavy crude caught up in your engine while cruising the Florida Keys will cause plenty of problems you as well as cost plenty of $$$ to have it fixed.

Let's just hope the news from earlier today is a step in the right direction
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2010 Hurricane Season

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I know, I know. There's over 2 feet of snow across the Mid Atlantic region after back to back blizzards and there is talk about the upcoming Hurricane Season already. Well, this is the time of the year when those behind long range Hurricane model prediction put out their initial estimate for the coming season. So far, it looks like this coming year will be a slightly above average season with 15 total Tropical Storms/Hurricanes. The current El Nino pattern should begin to weaken or be in a weakening phase as we move into spring and this may allow for the seasonal total to improve from last years below normal values.

There is also anticipate of a cooler/wetter summer across the SE/US and parts of the Mid Atlantic region, suggesting the storm track pattern may stay a bit more south this year. If this is the case, there may be a trend for tropical cyclone activity to turn away from the coast. The prediction of 15 named storms gives us no idea as to where these expected tropical systems will develop, track to or when to expect them. At this point, there is no way to know where the storms of these systems will develop even if thre of them are expected to become Major Hurricanes. It is possible one, two or all three will remain well offshore and impact only shipping. It is also possible that all three make landfall. I guess we'll find out.

There will be updates to this prediction late this spring/summer. Considering how well the prediction for the winter across the eastern/U.S. was this year. One has to wonder if the long range correct forecast streak will continue. Bob/OMNI

Happy New Year

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We would like to wish all of our clients and those who visit our site a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.

Bob/OMNI

Great Siberian Sushi Run is complete

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well, the vessels that were part of the Great Siberian Sushi Run (GSSR) have reached their final destination, Osaka Japan. What an adventure and we are so appreciative to have been part of the project. Three Nordhavn vessels took part in this venture, San Souci, Grey Pearl and Seabird and the weather could not have been better especially across the Bering Sea. The group timed getting across the Bering Sea at the right time when the conditions were ideal for crossing. To be honest, this was my biggest fear during the voyage and that the conditions would be too rough and that they would need to divert. Not the case. Winds stayed below 20kts and seas below 5-6ft for most of the leg.

The other concern were typhoons. How would they impact them moving from the Aleutians to Japan. This region is notorious for experiencing typhoons and extra-tropical lows (Typhoons as they weaken and take on non-tropical characteristics) during the late summer into September and it could have been horrible experience. However, the GSSR group was able to beat the odds and make it to Japan not only with fairly good weather, but not Typhoons directly impacting the Japan waters during the entire crossing. Even during the peak of the season when the risk of Typhoons moving over Japan tends to be at its highest, late August and September. Not only did no Typhoons move over Japan during this time, but those that got close we were weak. Others (like Dujuan) stayed well east and south of Japan.

Needlesstosay, it is good to have all the vessels in safely. I tip my hat to you all for taking on such a challenging voyage and proving once again, that there is nothing you can't accomplish if you put your mind to it...... Now we have to get them back and hopefully the weather will be just as cooperative.

Bob

Tropical Depression 2

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has taken some time, but earlier today the NHC upgraded the disturbance in the eastern Atlantic to a Tropical Depression, the second one of the season. Even though we have an El Nino going that does not mean we can't have tropical cyclones. Model data has been consistent so far in bring the depression toward the west, then it weakens. Longer range model data has also indicating another tropical cyclone develops in a few days off the coast of Africa and it moves along a W-WNW course for most of the coming 2 weeks.

Longer Range model data has also been consistent in the motion of this second tropical depression during the coming 2 weeks. A line that is about 60-90nm wide from northern Puerto Rico toward southern Florida have been the primary focus in the model data. Considering the strength of the high ridge pattern during the last few weeks and what is expected the next week or two, the forecast track trend seems reasonable at this time.

It is very important to stay in touch with updates on the tropics this time of the year, especially if you live along the Carolina coast or southward to Florida.

El Nino is back

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I had a feeling there was an El Nino forming. Having looked at the ocean temperatures about 6-8 weeks ago off the coast of Peru and Tropical Pacific, the sea surface temps did seem a bit "mild". Well an article that appeared on Yahoo earlier today (see below) suggests that warming of the waters off the coast of Peru are up and this event could last through the winter of 2009-2010.

The one good thing about an El Nino season is that Hurricane development across the eastern Atlantic will be down this year. Chances are when the NHC/NOAA and others issue their next update on the Hurricane season, I would expect to see a reduction in the total amount of tropical cyclones across the Atlantic basin for the 2009 season.

We still note a stronger than normal high pressure ridge pattern and this will tend to keep upper level shear high across the Tropical Atlantic and this alone should help reduce the risk of Hurricane activity. The US west coast should see an increase in rain and storms this winter which should make for interesting traveling to/from Seattle and the Baja Peninsula.

The article starts below. It's good reading and worth it. Stay tuned.

Government scientists said Thursday that the periodic warming of water in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which can affect weather around the world, has returned.

The Pacific had been in what is called a neutral state, but forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the sea surface temperature climbed to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above normal along a narrow band in the eastern equatorial Pacific in June.

In addition, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center said temperatures in other tropical regions are also above normal, with warmer than usual readings as much as 975 feet below the ocean surface.

In general, El Nino conditions are associated with increased rainfall across the east-central and eastern Pacific and with drier than normal conditions over northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

A summer El Nino can lead to wetter than normal conditions in the intermountain regions of the United States and over central Chile. In an El Nino year there tend to be more Eastern Pacific hurricanes and fewer Atlantic hurricanes.

The forecasters said they expect this El Nino to continue strengthening over the next few months and to last through the winter of 2009-2010.

"Advanced climate science allows us to alert industries, governments and emergency managers about the weather conditions El Nino may bring so these can be factored into decision-making and ultimately protect life, property and the economy," NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco said in a statement.

NOAA officials noted that not all El Nino effects are negative. For example, it can suppress Atlantic hurricanes and bring needed moisture to the arid Southwest.

But it can also steer damaging winter storms to California and increase storminess across the southern United States.

The warming of the ocean can also lead to a reduction in the seafood catch off the West Coast, and fewer fish can also impact food sources for several types of birds and marine mammals.

A recent study by researchers at Georgia Tech suggests there may actually be two forms of El Nino, depending on whether the warming is stronger in the eastern or central pacific.

While the current warming seems to be strongest in the east, the more traditional form, government forecasters did not categorize it.

If the Georgia Tech study is correct, this would be the type of El Nino that reduces hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The other form, centered farther west, reportedly seems to promote Atlantic storms.

The GSSR is here.......

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you are a first time visitor to our blog, we have providing weather forecast and route suggestion service to the Great Siberian Sushi Run (GSSR) organized by Ken Williams of San Souci, a Nordhavn 68. San Souci will leave Seattle and will gradually make their way across the Gulf of Alaska to Japan through the summer. After that, who knows. San Souci will be traveling with Braun Jones aboard Grey Pearl and Steve Argosy on Seabird. For the next few weeks their travels will be in more protected waters, but will become more exposed as the weather gets warmer (and hopefully calmer).

If you would like to stay in touch with the GSSR happenings, check out Kens blog site at http://www.kensblog.com/ Ken will be posting regular updates on the adventure.

GSSR 2009, a month away

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For those who know Ken Williams of M/Y Sans Souci, he is the leading boat in the upcoming Great Siberian Sushi Run 2009. We will be helping Ken and the other vessels make this "unique" crossing. Below is an email I received Ken as the beginning of the voyage is about a month away.

Greetings all!

You are reading the blog, of Ken Williams, from the Nordhavn 68 named Sans Souci. This is my first mailing to most of you in nearly a year, so you may have forgotten who I am.

The last time that I sent out my blog to my full mailing list, Sans Souci was in Costa Rica, and we were struggling to get it to Seattle in time for a summer cruise to Alaska. Unfortunately, getting the boat back from Costa Rica turned out to be a longer, and rougher, proposition than originally planned. We were very disappointed not to be able to cruise Alaska last summer.

However… we’re about to make up for the lost cruising, and then some… A month from now, Roberta, Shelby and I, aboard Sans Souci, will begin our next big adventure!

Starting April 23rd, Sans Souci, and two Nordhavn 62s will be venturing from Seattle to Japan, taking a most unusual route. Roberta and I were disappointed to have missed Alaska last year, so we’re heading north this year. After Alaska we’ll cross the Bering Sea, visit Siberia and arrive in Japan sometime this August.

Some of you may still be reading that last paragraph and shaking your head in confusion. Yes. You did read it right. We are going to “that” Bering Sea; the one you may have seen on the show TV Deadliest Catch. No worries though. We’re going in the best possible month, and whereas it probably won’t be flat seas, we’re not expecting anything too crazy.

There are some great reasons why we chose this particular routing.

We all wanted to cross the Pacific, and this gives us a way to “get to the other side” without ever being more than about 500 miles from land. Instead of a fifteen to twenty day cruise across open ocean, we instead have a spectacular trip with plenty of places to stop.
We have a “once in a lifetime” chance to visit a cruising ground that few, other than commercial fishing boats, have ever visited. How many boaters can say they’ve docked in Siberia?
It’s tough to get three highly opinionated captains to agree on anything. We wanted to cruise together, and couldn’t agree on Tahiti. I don’t know why.

The other two Nordhavn 62s are:

Grey Pearl, Braun and Tina Jones. Some of you may recall that Grey Pearl cruised alongside Sans Souci across the Atlantic a few years back.
Seabird, Steven and Carol Argosy.

Over the past few months I have been writing my blog, but only sending it out to a very small group. This is the first email that I’ve sent to the larger group (several thousand of you!) that have been following Sans Souci’s adventures through the years. I’ll probably write a few more blog entries over the next month as we get ready for the trip.

Before the GSSR blog really gets rolling, this is a good chance to register anyone else you think might want to receive the blog. Just give them this link: http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/m/509305 Or, click the link and register them yourself. You don’t need to register, or you wouldn’t have received this email.

Similarly, if you have received this email, and can’t remember how or why you registered, and don’t really want to receive any future updates, then NO PROBLEM. There is a link at the very bottom of this email that tells you how to “unsubscribe” from the mailing list. Just click it and you won’t be pestered any more.

For those of you who have not been following the blog the past few months, here are links to some of the past blog entries that had to do with trip planning, and getting prepared…. You’ll be reading them slightly out of context, but I’m sure you can figure it out. Or, ignore these links, and just enjoy the adventure, as you please.

Early trip planning:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=15923

Meeting Bill Harrington (an Alaska Commercial Fisherman who will be accompanying us):
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17026

Thinking about diving in the Aleutians:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17303

Detailed Trip Schedule:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18480

A chat with a 62 owner who previously made the trip:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17354

Trip Planning:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17272

Clothes for the trip:
http://www.kensblog.com/uploads/16765/20090221Launchingtheboat/TGSSR-PACKAGE.pdf

When we’re not out cruising, my blog gets a little “techie”. If you are into mechanical things, you might enjoy these blog entries:

Work done on the boat:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16808
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18172

Bulbous Bows:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17072

Fractional Ownership of Boats:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17491

Storm Windows and Stability Curves:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=17584

New type of Sonar:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18146

New type of Radar:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=19175

Shipping Containers:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=19040

Oil Bypass Filters:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18981

Prop Pitch:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18724

LED Lighting:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=18598

Retiring on a boat:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16772

Mechanical Space Cooling:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16653

Boat Security:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16591
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16244

Night Vision:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16351

Complexity:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16345

Inverters:
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16307
http://www.kensblog.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=463430&beid=16322

Thank you!

Ken Williams
Nordhavn 68, Sans Souci
http://www.kensblog.com/

200 boats capsized in last 5 months

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If any you have read a recent article on www.cnn.com about 200 boats capsizing in the last 5months, just think about how many boats that is and the sad thing about it is that many of them could have prevented. For example, it has been reported the most recent and notable capsizing involved the 4 people off the Clearwater Florida two of which are NFL players. They were apparently off the coast by as much as 30mi and a strong cold front was coming their way and seas when the vessel capsized may have been as high as 10-11ft. The boat was under 30ft and a seas of 4-5ft would probably make a ride at best very uncomfortable.

It is amazing how many people don't look into getting an updated forecast for coastal and offshore waters. For the few bucks it would cost, it can save your life. A service like ours will tell you whether it is safe to go out or not and we will flat out tell you not to go out if we feel conditions are unsafe. The lesson here is, don't be penny wise and dollar foolish. Before you head out to sea, give us a call and make sure the conditions are safe to transit.

Is the Ground Hog right?

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's been 2 weeks since Ground Hog Day and that the United States would have 6 more weeks of Winter. Well, so far, it seems they may have actually got this one right. Since then, aside from some very mild air that occurred across the central/eastern US about a week ago, it has been winter across the nation with near normal temps and a mix bag of rain/snow sleet across the country and it looks like the trend will continue.

Model data continues to suggest plenty of cold air across Canada that will eventually work its way south across the northern and central Plains and move eastward across the eastern US. Meanwhile, a series of low pressure systems will move inland across the western US and bring rains to California and snow the mountains of California and Rocky Mountain region.

Keep this in mind for future Ground Hog Days. On Feb 02nd, regardless of the outcome, we will have 6 weeks of winter regardless whether the ground hog sees its shadow or not, as Spring begins during the 3rd week or March.......Yes, it could become milder across the country, but it would still be considered winter during any kind of warm up. However, it sure would be nice to grab a few more weeks of spring like weather before the actual onset of spring..... Bob/OMNI

Where's the Wind?

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you who live or travel along the Pacific NW coast you might be saying to yourself, there is plenty of wind here and you're right. The coasts of Washington, Oregon and northern California have seen their share of wind this winter. The same can be said for tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, which have experience fresh NE-E winds due to the strong cold air surges moving south of out the Arctic region in the upper to mid latitudes.

Nope, portions of the South China sea have had plenty of NE wind this winter season as the strong high cells over eastern China have been forcing alot of cold air southward and strong NE winds across the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean.

There is one area this season that really hasn't experienced the seasonal increase in winds due to the cold air moving southward and that area is the Arabian Sea.

The Arabian Sea typically experiences increasing NE-ly winds during this time of the and it last as long as the cold air to the north pushes southward, but this year, the winds are NE-ly but there hasn't been a real good, strong "seasonal NE Monsoon" in this region so far. Oh sure, there are pockets of increased winds if you believe the reports from every weather reporting ship. Satellite data shows the pattern has been fairly consistent at force 4-5 for the last few weeks and one has to wonder, how long will it take for this conditions to increase.

Pirate activity in this area is benefiting from the lack of strong NE winds. The strong NE winds that typically reach force 7-8 in this region will be strong enough that pirates won't venture out in their smaller vessels. So far, with the winds closer to force 4-5 the pirate season continues. Now these winds will eventually get there and last for a period of time, maybe a few weeks, but before you know it the NE winds will ease and the gradual transition into the SW monsoon will take place.

Part of the reason for the lack of strong winds is the movement of storms further to the north. The cold air across Europe hasn't really surged southward across the Med Sea toward Saudi Arabia. Most of the cold air has moved into Europe and then eastward into eastern Europe and western Russia. A pattern such as this will keep the wind NE-ly flow but with no cool/cold air and the high pressure patterns to the north moving southward across the eastern Med Sea toward Saudi Arabia, the stronger winds can't and won't develop.

Ah, but there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel. A series of low centers moving eastward across the Med Sea the next few days will allow for some cold air to spread across Europe and could reach as far south/east as the Red Sea and eventually the NW Arabian Sea. If the low centers and cold air move southward then the NE flow across the Arabian Sea should begin to increase.

Voyage of Egret

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you in the yachting world, especially Nordhavn owners, you probably have heard of the travels of Scott and Mary Flanders aboard M/Y EGRET. They have lived aboard their 46ft Nordhavn for at least the last 2 years and have traveled half way around the world (so far) and will continue to do so in 2009 and in 2010.

Their journey started upon departing Gibraltar in September 2006 and Ocean Marine Nav Inc has been with them every step of the way. They have enjoy the best of weather and experienced the worst weather since this 2 year adventure. The best part of the trip was making a very important trip around Cape Horn with Vice President of Pacific Asian Enterprises, Jim Leishman aboard and being able to forecast the "perfect weather window" for this region of the world.

It has been said that Cape Horn is the roughest spot in the world to sail around and in broad general terms, it is hard to disagree. However, Cape Horn and the southern tip of the South America does experience good weather for sailing and we were able to find that perfect window for the Scott and Mary in January 2007. Too bad the weather for every leg of the voyage to New Zealand wasn't as good as the trip around Cape Horn, but you have to expect the worst weather along with the good weather. Keep in mind the worst weather won't last forever no matter how it is. I've been told that it feels like time is standing still when the weather is at its worst.......I can't argue with that.

Scott and Mary Flanders were referred to us by other Nordhavn owners prior to their departure from the Med Sea. Most of our business is referral and we even had the opportunity to meet Scott and Mary at the Nordhavn party at the 2006 Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. Scott and Mary have been posting a greatly detailed blog on their voyage from start to present. Here is another place to visit if you were thinking of undertaking an around the world voyage or even considering retiring aboard your own craft. Scott and Mary have been doing it right for the last few years and are on the right track to continue on for at least the next several years.

If you interested, you can read the travels of Scott and Mary Flanders on the Nordhavn web site at www.nordhavn.com.

Bob/OMNI

Pattern Shift?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For the last few weeks and the for next few days, the weather along the USWC, especially for the Pacific NW, has been less than favorable. Cold air surge after cold air surge from the north followed by a series of cold front approaching from the west. Well, it looks like the Pacific NW may be due for some relief from the nasty weather it has been experiencing as the cold air that has been at the forefront off the frequent occurrances of strong winds and rough sea should take a break later in the week and into the following week.

The reason for the change is that cold air will tend to move south across the central/US and then more eastward to the eastern/US, so the eastern half of the country will tend to be colder during the same time. As the cold air moves eastward the western/US will be under the influence of high pressure over the eastern Pacific. This should allow for a more favorable wind/sea pattern to develop along the coast from Neah Bay southward to southern California.

How long will the good weather last? It's hard to say since it will depend on where the cold air across Alaska and NW Canada moves and as long as it moves across northern Plains and Great Lakes regions, the USWC will enjoy the more favorable wind/sea conditions. However, once the cold air finds its way southward across the northern Rockies and Pacific NW, the pattern of gale force to storm force winds and rough to very rough sea swells will develop once again.

And to think winter only officially started just before Christmas............ Bob/OMNI

Happy New Year

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well, 2008 is coming to an end. We would like to take this time to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and may your travels bring you calms seas and light winds.

Merry Christmas

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We would like to wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas and may time with family and loved be spent in glorious weather.

A white Christmas - a last look

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With only 2 full days until Christmas, one more look at the chance of a White Christmas hasn't changed a great deal. After the recent significant snows across the Northeast/US the "other" White Christmas will occur this year with having snow already on the ground. Will these areas see snow again Christmas Eve night or on Christmas Day?

As of now, the more northern regions of the Northeast like upstate New York and across Maine and Vermont will have the best chance for snow showers on Christmas Day, while the Great Lakes and portions of the northern Ohio Valley will see snow fall on Christmas Eve.

Further west plenty of cold air is in place for a more widespread area of Christmas Eve snow from the northern and central Rockies and westward into the mountains of California/Oregon and Washington. At this point, you can't rule out western Oregon and Washington as cold air nearly reaches the coast on Christmas Eve. Over the more higher elevations some areas could experience a foot or two of snow from Christmas Eve through Christmas night.

Over the northern plains there is a better chance for some mixed precipitation which could affect travel in this region as some warm air over-rides cold air in place during Christmas Day eve-night.

There you have it. That is our look at a White Christmas. We would like to wish each and every one a very, merry Christmas and may you receive the gift(s) you wanted. Drive (or cruise) safely this holiday season

Bob/OMNI

Nordhavn and Fubar

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you have read our blogs recently, you may have noticed one type of vessel more than any other. Nordhavn. Since Ocean Marine Nav started business, we have been working closely with Nordhavn owners. In fact, Nordhavn owners make up the majority of the vessels we work with. Why, well word of mouth and relationship go along way. From the early days of Ocean Marine to present day, we continue to work with some original owners who started us from day 1. Milt Baker of M/Y Bluewater (Nordhavn 47) and Bruce Kessler (Spirit of Zopilote) have been great supporters of our work and have been a big reason Ocean Marine Nav has been so successful during the last 15years.

It is unfortunate, we don't get the chance to meet our clients as often as possible, but we have made visits to the Ft. Lauderdale Boat show and hope to again in the next year or two. We've been able to make in person weather briefings for both the Medbound Rally as well as the FUBAR Odyssey in 2007 and hope to be back in San Diego in November 2009 for the next FUBAR Odyssey. It is tough to visit the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show then the next week fly to San Diego for the FUBAR, so we may not be able to attend Ft. Lauderdale if we are invited to do the FUBAR Odyssey in November. If you are looking for a great bunch of people to do a "well organized" 10-15 day cruise with from San Diego to La Paz, the 2009 FUBAR Odyssey is for you.

Nordhavn owners have a presence, but any boat that is willing and more importantly, able to make the run, can do this venture. If you would like more information on the Fubar Odyssey check out the San Diego Yacht Club. For more on Nordhavn vessels and the people behind them, check out www.nordhavn.com Alot of great information on this site including profiles on other Nordhavn around the world including M/Y Egret who we have taken half way around the world during the last 18months. More on M/Y Egret later.

Tomorrow, we will make our last prediction for a white Christmas across the continental US.

Bob/OMNI

A White Christmas - Part 3

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's only 7 days until Christmas. Hard to believe but it seems like every year it comes faster and faster.

The pattern is a bit more interesting prior to Christmas Day with the development of a significant snow storm moving across the NE/US and producing 6-12inches of snow on Friday. However, there is the chance snow will develop again on Christmas eve for this region. Chances are a low center that does develop will tend to move through the St Lawrence River Valley through Christmas Eve and rain/mixed precip will fall in this region. However, as colder air comes in behind it, Snow and Snow showers could spread as far east as NY city.

There is the chance of some snow showers and very cold temperatures across the Great Lakes region Christmas Day, but some mixed precip includuing freezing rain may move in during Chrimas Day night. Further west snow and snow showers will tend to develop across the central and northern Rocky Mountains as a strong low pressure area off the WA/OR coast on Christmas Eve slowly weakens.

We will take one more look at the chances of a White Christmas across the country in a few more days.

Bob/OMNI

A White Christmas - Part 2

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During the last several days, the forecast models have been jumping around the bit but fortunately, not to the extend where one day a major storm is expected and the next day no low. Actually the more consistent pattern is a good thing since that tells us that the model data may be picking up on something. The short term data has been pretty good the last several days, so a little bit more confidence is building up even though we are still 10 days until Christmas.

As of now, the places across the country that have a shot of having a White Christmas won't see it. The air will tend to be plenty cold front over the northern two thirds of the country. From the southern NJ area westward across the upper Tennessee Valley then westward across Oklahoma and the central Rockies, the air will be cold enough to support snow. However, there doesn't appear to be a storm anywhere from coast to coast. Not an impossibility, but consider the timing. There will be places that see some snow fall during Christmas eve or Christmas Day and they'll be limited to the higher elevations of the northern-central Rockies (Utah south across western Colorado and the mountains of California and Nevada.). Further east across the Northeastern US and eastern Great Lakes the more northern states from Maine to New York a disturbance may bring some light snow as far south as NY city during Christmas eve night and early Christmas morning, but nothing that would accumulate. Most of the day, the snow will be limited to the "Lake Effect" regions of New York eastward across northern Maine.

Now this forecast isn't etched in stone either. Plenty of changes can develop over the next 10 days, so who knows, changes could still occur and who knows, maybe snow will work further south and cover a broader area. Look at it this way, if the pattern stays like this, most of the country would enjoy good travel weather......

Bob/OMNI

M/Y KOSMOS

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you who enjoy reading blogs (besides this one), clients of ours have a very informative blog since they departed San Diego in April 2007.

Their blog begins in Feb 2006 during the construction of Kosmos and runs through present time. We have been providing our service during portions of the trip, not all of it, again, the beauty of our service. You can plub us in, plug us out as you needed. Exactly as designed and Eric and Christi Grab, owners of Kosmos, have used the service the way it was intended. To provide weather assistance during the portions of the trip they felt needed it. They could have had service every day since day, but they didn't and to be honest, they don't need it every day.

During their trip they have been able to see many sights around the world and are taking the time to see many things you or I will never see and probably wouldn't see even on cable or satellite TV. Eric and Christi are enjoying their 45ft Nordhavn as they travel from exotic port to exotic port, then take the time to see most of the places they've been.

If you want to reach out to them or want to see what they've done on their around the world cruise so far, checkout thier blog at: kosmos.liveflux.net/blog/

Bob/OMNI