Volvo Ocean Race

Leg 7, Day 2

Sailing Weather Forecast

Leg 7 MIAMI - LISBON

Issued 0300Z 21-MAY-2012

SYNOPSIS: Tropical Storm Alberto is located near 31N/80W, moving SW at 5 kts. Maximum winds around the centre of the storm are 40 knots with gusts 50 knots. Tropical Storm Force winds are confined to within 50nm of the centre. Tropical Storm Alberto is forecast to begin moving northeast and weakening to be located near 32N/77.5W by 00Z/22. Further weakening will occur as the storm moves to near 36N/71.5W by 00Z/23. The latest position, storm strength, and forecast movement should be referenced from the official forecasts.

NE winds along the central Florida coast will weaken and back to NW/W with gradient flow around the southern periphery of Alberto. Southeast of Alberto, a broad SE gradient will develop, strongest near the storm and lighter toward the northeast of the storm.

As Tropical Storm Alberto moves northeast along the Gulf Stream and off the southeastern US coast, a broad S/SW gradient flow will evolve from the northern Bahamas north to 35N and east to 70W. This flow will hold south and east of Alberto, gradually veering to W to the southwest of the storms track. SW winds will become fresh, but east from west to east upon backing.

FORECAST ALONG RACE ROUTE

MONDAY (21-MAY-2012)

Between 26N/30N and Florida Coast to 77W
WIND: South of 28N, NE 10-15 at first, easing to 5 and backing to NW/W in the early morning. Becoming W/NW at 10-15 later in the period. North of 28N, Mainly W/NW 10-20, except 20-25 close to 30N or closer to the centre of Tropical Storm Alberto. Sea breezes will develop along the immediate Florida coast in the afternoon.
SEA: 1m in the south, increasing to 2-3m near 30N and closer to Alberto.
WEATHER: Mix of sun and cloud. Showers and local thunderstorms over the Gulf Stream night/early morning hours. Thunderstorms on the Florida coast in the afternoon. A few squalls possible near 30N.

Between 30N/33N and Florida/Georgia Coast to 76W 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WITHIN 50NM OF TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO
WIND: Cyclonic circulation around Tropical Storm Alberto. N/NE winds west of 78W 20-30. SE/S winds 15-25 east of 78W. Winds 35-50 within 50nm of the centre of Alberto.
SEA: 2-4m
WEATHER: Cloudy with strong squall between 30N/32N and 80W/77W.

TUESDAY (22-MAY-2012) 

Between 26N/30N and Florida Coast to 76W
WIND: Becoming SW/WSW 10-15.
SEA: 1-2m.
WEATHER: Scattered clouds with a few showers or thunderstorms, especially close to the Gulf Stream.

Between 30N/33N and Florida/Georgia Coast to 76W 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WITHIN 50NM OF TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO
WIND: Cyclonic circulation around Tropical Storm Alberto. Alberto clear out to the northeast early in the period. Then becoming W/SW 10-15, likely backing to SW/S later in the period.
SEA: 1-3m, decreasing.
WEATHER: Becoming partly cloudy with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms.

BETWEEN 27N/32N and 76W/71W 

WIND: SW 20-25 in the north, easing. SW 15-20 in the south.
SEA: 1-2m
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with showers and a few squalls.

OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY (23-MAY-2012)
Low pressure moves northeast to 38N/67W. A ridge of high pressure develops from the Azores high over the central Atlantic westward along 28N. Between the ridge axis and low pressure in the north, winds broadly SW'ly and moderate to fresh strength.

Forecast supplied by Sailing Weather Services