Like most sailors and cruisers, weather is of vital interest to me and I have spent quite a lot of time playing with weather apps for my phone to find the ones I like. So, here are the apps I refer to just about everyday:
Windy: I like this app because you can choose which weather data source and model you want. I prefer the European model and this is available. The graphics are excellent and there are multiple layers of weather and sea state data you can view.
PredictWind: One of the most advanced weather companies out there with a great reputation for accurate forecasts and reliable routing for offshore passages. I’ve used it extensively offshore in the subscription version and love it. The phone app is great for coastal sailing.
SailFlow: The app collects real time data from 50,000 weather stations around the world so it shows you the actual wind direction, force and shifts as they are happening. It’s the most granular weather app out there and favored by racers. But it’s so accurate cruisers love it, too.
Buoy Weather: Another old standby, this app gives you real time data from the weather buoys so you can decide whether you want to go out there or not. The premium, version has a lot of add-on data that is useful.
NOAA Marine Weather Forecast: This is a comprehensive app with data from every source and has a wide range of layers that can give you all the information you need to make good weather choices.
MyRader: I love the graphics of this app. They use the Doppler radar data everyone uses but dress it up with a lot of attractive layers and data points. For accurate radar of approaching weather you can’t beat this app.
Deckee: A new app from Australia, that a friend recently sent me, combines digital navigation charts, with comprehensive weather data and it has a local knowledge application that is similar to Active Captain. It’s the Swiss Army knife of weather apps.
Marine Traffic: This is a fun app since it allows you to follow your friends via their AIS signals as they make passages. It also tracks ships all over the world. The premium version has a host of weather and navigation data.
What are your favorite marine apps? Email me at george@bwsailing.com
