GRIB files in GPSNavX and MacENC

The menu Weather report in these two applications allows you to request a GRIB weather forecast file and then view it on the open map. The function Request GRIB send a request to the server Saildocs.com returning to the mailbox file requested. You can then get the file in attachment and store it to the location of your choice (²).

The function Show GRIB will then allow you to view the file on the map and scroll through the forecasts. You can usefully refer to MacENC Video Tutorial No. 3 on the website.

Here is a short technical summary of the weather module integrated in these two apps. Read more …

Marine weather on iPhone

Météo FranceIn a previous post about my favorites apps for iPhone, I cited two weather apps : La Chaine Météo, very good general weather application from Meteo Consult, and iSailing Weather that offers maps of sea-based weather GRIB files from British origin.

Weather France has finally added its own free app, offering its full range of forecasts, including marine weather reports in text format. Read more …

The voice of marine weather

Marine weather, or rather I should write : Marine Weather, with capital letters, is for modern mariners as ancient gods was for our oldest ancestors : a permanent reference to the conduct of our life.

The Long Waves

Not so long ago, this divinity was speaking to us, sailors to trade, fishermen or boaters, by a celestial voice carried by the waves. Our high priestess, Marie-Pierre Planchon, informing us twice a day of the destinies, happy or terrible, that we risked experiencing by venturing out on the waves. In those days the weather had a name and a voice, recognizable at a glance. Read more …