Whether you're new to cruising or looking to deepen your weather skills, this two-part online class offers practical, judgment-based techniques to help you make smarter, safer decisions underway and at anchor.

Part One covers the fundamental weather features every cruiser should recognize and explores how forecasts are created—highlighting the differences between human-generated and computer-based models. You'll learn how these sources influence routing decisions and why understanding their limitations matters. We'll also break down the right and wrong ways to use weather apps and teach you how to decode GRIB files more accurately—going beyond surface-level symbology to uncover implied meanings and develop a more accurate “real-feel” forecast.

Part Two builds on the knowledge from Part One and introduces real-time observational tools such as satellite imagery, radar, and buoy data. While forecast models are generalized and often outdated by the time you use them, real-time observations reveal where lightning, atmospheric instability, and high winds are occurring—vital information for avoiding rough areas or understanding what may be bearing down on a calm anchorage. Finally, we’ll integrate all of these tools and techniques into routing strategies designed to support faster, safer, and more comfortable passages.

• Fundamental weather features every cruiser should know.
• How forecasts are derived (human vs computer vs AI) and why these differences matter.
• The right way (and wrong way) to use weather apps.
• Decoding implied meanings in GRIB symbology for better understanding.
• What’s the best model and how to assess options based on your location.
• Using real-time observations to improve your forecast interpretation accuracy.
• Getting to “real feel” and the composite forecast approach that works.
• Applying the skills learned to think like a weather router.