As part of your Passage Plan before leaving dry land and setting out on your cruise be it in the Bristol Channel or in the Mediterranean it is reassuring to have an accurate picture of the expected weather. There is a wealth of sources now using the internet, television, local radio. From your own vessel at anchor or under way there are addition sources such as, vhf radio, mobile phone, navtex, shortwave RTTY.

It is important to have an understanding of the general weather situation, the movement of Low and High Pressure systems, and the speed that they are moving at. Having an idea of the larger picture will allow you to understand more easily the expected weather in your area. You will then be able to calculate if you have a sufficient weather window to complete your journey.  No body enjoys being at sea in severe weather. In the Bristol Channel there are few ports or safe havens that can be entered other than at HW + or - 2 hrs so even more reason to get it right.

Below you will find a list of FREE weather sources for the UK and beyond.

Coombe Martin, St Hilary - VHF Ch23,

Blaenplwyf, St Anns Head, Monkstone Point - VHF Ch84,

Hartland, Severn Bridge, Mumbles, Dinas Head - VHF Ch86