Volvo Ocean Race

Leg 9, Day 2

Sailing Weather Forecast
Leg 9 Lorient - Galway

Issued 0300Z 02-JUL-2012

Synopsis:

Low pressure near 57N/29W extends an occluded front east to Northern Ireland where it then arcs south as a cold front approaching Brittany. Ahead of the front, strong SSW winds and squalls are spreading east. Behind the front, winds shift SW and squalls ease to scattered showers. Moderate to fresh SW flow is found all along the route to Fastnet behind the front and around the southwestern coast of Ireland.

The low (998mb) moves to 56N/21W by 00Z/03 with a trough rotating around the southeast quadrant of the low extend from 54N/17W to 47N/11W. SW flow will back left toward the S around the Irish coast from later today through early tomorrow in advance of the trough. An area of rain and squalls is likely with the trough, which will move northeast and reach the Irish coast 09Z/03, shifting winds to SW/WSW.

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FORECAST ALONG RACE ROUTE

MONDAY (02-JUL-2012)

Ushant to Fastnet
WIND: Becoming SW 20-25, veering WSW and easing to 15-20, especially north of 50N between 06Z and 12Z. Then backing SW and building 15-25 later in the period.
SEA: 2-3m
WEATHER: Early squalls clearing to showers arriving from the west.

Southwest Irish coast from Fastnet to Galway
WIND: SW veering WSW 10-20 through 09Z. Then, backing SW and easing 10-15 for a time before becoming SSW/S and 15-20 after 18Z.
SEA: 1-3m
WEATHER: Showers at first, then fine breaks mid-period. More showers and a few squalls arrive from the west later in the period.

TUESDAY (03-JUL-2012)

Southwest Irish coast from Fastnet to Galway
WIND: Becoming SSE/SE and increasing to 15-25 through 06Z. By 12Z, shift from SE to SW moves southwest to northeast across the coast.
SEA: 1-3m
WEATHER: Showers and a few squalls likely through 15Z. Easing to showers later in the period.

Forecast supplied by Sailing Weather Services