PredictWind

PredictWind is a commercial weather forecasting service that generates high resolution weather forecasts. PredictWind allows its users to choose their preferred locations from amongst 20,000 locations from around the world. The forecasts for the chosen locations are displayed on the PredictWind forecasting website. The forecasts can be viewed on Wind Maps, Charts, Graphs and in a Table format.
PredictWind uses a sophisticated weather model using data from two data sources for the weather model taking into account the effect of local geography on wind strength and direction. This produces two alternative marine weather forecasts for comparison.
Forecasts can also be viewed in GRIB files. GRIB files are used by offshore sailors to access compressed weather forecasts. This information can be viewed on PredictWind's GRIB Viewer which has been developed by Expedition tactical and navigation software.
PredictWind is a subscription based service and has a free trial and a variety of payment options.
Forecast Model
</gallery>PredictWind's wind forecast model utilizes atmospheric data from the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) and the US based Global Forecast System (GFS) run by NOAA. This input data is then run through a series of models using geographic data to accurately predict wind flow around headlands and different landmasses. The models then output highly accurate 60km, 8km and 1km resolution forecasts.
History
PredictWind was founded in 2008 by Jon Bilger a keen yachts person and Olympic Sailor. The model used has been developed by research scientist for over 30 years.
Jon Bilger states "At Alinghi we had access to some of the best weather modeling technology available, and as a sailor, I thought that it would be great if the same technology would be available to the public for marine forecasting.
We approached the people responsible for our weather modelling and obtained the exclusive license for the technology. With the development team we then obtained the topographical information to allow specific local forecasting at 20,000 sites around the world. Now local sailors around the World can have the same information that the Alinghi team had in Auckland and Valencia.
PredictWind is a totally unique product in that you can see the predicted weather patterns hour by hour over a one square kilometer grid. Since the trial release of PredictWind in June 2008 the response has been fantastic with positive feedback from sailors and boat owners who are now relying on PredictWind as their primary weather forecast."
PredictWind was launched to the public on June 1st, 2008 and has been received well by the sailing community with many top sailors now relying on the forecasts for sailing regattas around the world.
On the 5th of October PredictWind released some new upgrades to the site including free access to the 100km forecasts, aesthetic improvements and a table format feature.

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