WeatherNet is fast becoming a preferred site according to US-based Ocean and Coastal Environmental Sensing (OCENS) and they have now added new features for 2004.
On the Grid In Binary front (GRIB --- the new gridded data standard from the World Meteorological Organization), it offers high definition GRIB data found within the High Definition topic. This means the highest spatial and temporal resolution GRIB data available from any source in the world, OCENS says. Whereas most GRIBs are produced at 1 to 1.25 degree resolution on 6 to 12 hour intervals, WeatherNet's High Definition GRIBs are 0.25 degree data forecasted on an hour by hour basis, it adds. High Definition GRIBS are available for European (including the Mediterranean), North Sea and Scandinavian, North Atlantic and North American (including US East and West Coasts), Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea waters.
The GRIB Combiner means you can download the widest variety of individual GRIB files and then 'sew' them together to meet individual vessel's routes.
The Voyage Forecast feature on WeatherNet gives weather and ocean forecasts for up to five locations along an anticipated route. Simply enter the vessel's course and speed and WeatherNet automatically retrieves forecasts along the route for 00, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours ahead.
Met scientist Jenifer Clark is perhaps the doyenne of Gulf Stream meteorology. WeatherNet, OCENS now offers Jenifer Clark Gulf Stream analyses for immediate retrieval. Chris Parker (author of Coastal and Offshore Weather ) is there too with forecasts for the Bahamas and Caribbean. OCENS says products are optimised for satcom, Winlink/Sailmail and cellular type connections and is targeting all workers at sea whether you are cruising, racing or fishing. (www.ocens.com)
