Dylan Collingbourne
13 Jun 2025
"Big winds, big tides, and big tactical decisions. With tide changing half way through the races, it is almost like two different sailing days in which way you decide to go - right or left."
Key Weather Details
Wind: 15/19 knots gusting 24/26 from SW
Tide: High water 14:30 (3.98m) - currently on springs
Water State: Flatter water in the morning and early afternoon until the tide changes mid afternoon meaning race 3-5 could be choppy water towards the right of the course closer to the channel.
Temperature & Precipitation: 18 degrees with it getting cooler to 15 degrees in the later afternoon/early afternoon.
Other Notes: Wind direction pretty stable throughout the day with slight build in the late afternoon. Make sure you read the Sailing Instructions as there are some very key points to know in there such as class flags, courses, and target times.
Let's go sailing on the Isle of Wight! Heading over for the Gurnard SC Open Meeting, the forecast is looking big in the top end with the gusts and with a potential 4/5 races back to back, endurance will prove to be a key tool in your tool box. The main things to highlight for sailing at Gurnard are:
Tide - will be going from West to East until about an hour before HW and then will be going against the wind for the late afternoon. Use this as part of your tactics and direction to go on each leg. REMEMBER - laylines shift with the tide!
Bend around Gurnard Ledge - possibility of a righty further upwind as the wind comes into Gurnard Bay. Make sure you test this before racing.
Day Breakdown
Saturday:
Morning | Early afternoon | Late afternoon |
15 knots gusting 23-25 SW 18-19 degrees Flatter water Sunny | 18-20 knots gusting 24-26 SW 19 degrees Swell building as we see the tide begin to turn Sunny | 20 knots gusting 24 SW 18 degrees dropping to 16 Choppy water closer the deeper water Sunny |
Tactical Considerations
The tide will be a large influence in the racing in terms of which side to choose, either inshore or further offshore. It will be key to watch for when the committee boat changes direction as this will likely catch a few sailors out!