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A compact, 45-minute Zoom seminar where offshore racing pro Lisa McDonald shows sailors how to read GRIBs, choose models, and set safe routings. Ideal for cruisers, delivery skippers, and race teams who want clearer weather decisions before they leave the dock.
A compact, 45-minute Zoom seminar where offshore racing pro Lisa McDonald shows sailors how to read GRIBs, choose models, and set safe routings. Ideal for cruisers, delivery skippers, and race teams who want clearer weather decisions before they leave the dock.
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Operated by St Augustine Sailing · St. Augustine, Florida
PredictWind Decisions Offshore is a focused online seminar led by offshore racing expert Lisa McDonald, offered for sailors and skippers who want to interpret marine forecasts and routing tools with confidence. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, the session draws on local Atlantic and Gulf Stream influences that shape sailing along Florida's northeastern coast.
The session centers on reading modern GRIB files, wind models, and routing outputs—and translating them into practical decisions before you leave the dock. The environment learners will study is real: the shifting sandbars and tidal creeks around St. Augustine, the Matanzas River estuary, the nearby Anastasia Island coquina outcrops, and the persistent pull of the Gulf Stream offshore. Lisa pairs race-proven tactics with safety-minded routing so recreational cruisers, delivery captains, and race teams can plan weather-aware passages.
What makes this seminar special is the combination of offshore racing experience and tool-specific coaching. PredictWind Decisions Offshore moves beyond theory; participants get clear workflows to pick a forecast model, assess model spread, choose safe departure windows, and set routing options for fuel and comfort. The Zoom format keeps it tight—forty-five minutes of technical instruction ideal for busy skippers—and the session is suitable whether you're preparing for an overnight delivery or a weekend coastal race.
Practical takeaways include how to spot fronts, when to watch tidal gates, interpreting wind shifts from different ensembles, and using routing files to estimate fuel, sea state and ETA. Lisa McDonald is introduced as an instructor with offshore racing credentials and a history of working with PredictWind; attendees benefit from concrete examples that reference the regional sailing ground around St. Augustine and broader oceanic patterns.
This seminar also respects local context: St. Augustine's maritime history, from Spanish landings in 1565 to today's pleasure craft, creates a living classroom where weather decisions matter. For sailors who want to reduce on-water stress, avoid unnecessary engine hours, and make smarter weather calls, PredictWind Decisions Offshore is a compact, high-value investment in seamanship.
Participants should join with a laptop or tablet capable of displaying GRIB viewers and have access to their preferred routing software during the session; Lisa walks through real GRIBs and routing outputs so having your tools open makes the lesson applicable. The seminar is sponsored by PredictWind and is designed for all levels of sailors who want actionable weather skills. Space is limited; check the provided referral link to reserve a spot and add the course to your boarding checklist now.
easy.
45 minutes.
Sedentary—suitable for anyone who can sit and focus for 45 minutes
Sailors, delivery captains, and race teams wanting practical skills to interpret forecasts and routing; beginners with basic chart knowledge will also benefit.
The seminar runs 45 minutes and focuses on concise, actionable instruction.
Check the referral link or contact the provider; availability of recordings varies by session.
Lisa references GRIB files and routing outputs commonly used with PredictWind-compatible tools; bring your own software to follow along.
Meeting point: Via Zoom—participants receive access instructions after booking.
No formal prerequisites, though basic familiarity with nautical charts and vessel performance helps you get more from the session.
St. Augustine dates to 1565 and has a long maritime heritage that makes local weather patterns a matter of tradition as well as safety.
Using accurate weather and routing tools reduces unnecessary motoring and fuel burn; respect tidal flats and bird colonies when planning shore visits.
St Augustine Sailing operates premium sailing experiences and certified sailing courses in historic St. Augustine, Florida. The company offers a diverse lineup of public and private excursions — from shared brunch sails and sunset tasting cruises to intimate private dinner charters and wedding packages aboard luxury yachts. Educational offerings include ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, Basic Keelboat prep classes, and hands-on day sails on 21–22-foot boats and larger Jeanneau models. Each experience blends local maritime history, coastal wildlife viewing, and elevated hospitality. Professional skippers and trained crew lead all trips, delivering safety briefings, navigation expertise, and attentive service. On private dinner and tasting cruises, guests enjoy chef-prepared courses, sommelier-curated flights, and tailored menus served onboard. Photography-focused sails provide short portrait sessions against landmarks like the Lighthouse and Historic Bayfront. St Augustine Sailing prioritizes safety and instruction for learners and recreational sailors. Courses emphasize seamanship, heavy-weather operation, docking skills, and practical boat handling on 30–45-foot auxiliary-powered catamarans. Short introductory sessions give beginners the confidence to handle sails and basic lines. For weddings and private events, the company offers packaged options including on-yacht ceremonies, dockside Marriage Knot services, bouquets, photography, wedding cake, and charcuterie boards for small to mid-size groups. Vessel maintenance, certified instruction, and transparent booking policies support reliability and repeat business. Located in downtown St. Augustine’s marina district, the operator leverages local knowledge of tides, wildlife patterns, and historic routes to create memorable, trustworthy coastal adventures for couples, families, learners, and food-and-wine enthusiasts. Bookings are available year-round with flexible cancellation policies online.
Book with St Augustine Sailing