Weather Webinars for Sailors, Powerboaters, and Paddlers in March
What if learning more about weather and forecasting would make your sailing (or powerboating, paddling or fishing) life more enjoyable and safer? We at SpinSheet believe it would, which is why we will host three webinars by Mark Thornton of LakeErieWX March 5, 12, and 19. SpinSheet readers are welcome to sign up “à la carte” per session or for a bundle of all three.
As well as teaching at Cruisers University and acting as a forecasting consultant for high-end racing events and teams, Mark has taught several weather courses for SpinSheet readers over the past few years as well as being our guest on the SpinSheet Happy Hour on Facebook and YouTube Live. Our readers have benefitted greatly from his expertise and thorough presentations—plus, as a sailor, he understands our on-water challenges.
Mark has sailed for more than 30 years and currently owns Osprey, a Mainship 34 Pilot. His interest in weather forecasting grew from his experiences cruising and racing on the Great Lakes. A 2006 graduate of the Penn State University Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, Mark is the president of LakeErieWX LLC, a company dedicated to providing marine weather education and forecasting resources for recreational boaters.
The first in our 2025 series on March 5 will cover “Interpreting Surface Weather Maps,” starting with an understanding of the current large-scale weather pattern and how it will evolve over time. Surface weather maps provide this information, but use a confusing array of symbols, meteorological shorthand, timekeeping systems, and color schemes. Learning to interpret surface weather maps will improve your forecasting skills and increase the safety and comfort of your outings.
Next up: “Thunderstorms and Weather Radar” on March 12. The presentation will examine the types of thunderstorms, the ingredients that lead to their formation, and a wide range of resources for predicting thunderstorm development. Once thunderstorms are underway, the best resource for monitoring their movement and evolution is Doppler Weather Radar; you will learn how Doppler weather radar works (along with a few of its quirks) and how it can be used to monitor the development, intensity, and speed of approaching thunderstorms. Reduce your chances of a hair-raising or wind-swept encounter with severe weather by attending this presentation.
The last session, March 19, covers a topic that most sailors think they understand (but do they?): “Understanding Weather Apps.” The presentation will explain how weather forecast models work, how your weather app processes the data, and the positives and negatives of relying solely on apps. A better understanding of your weather app will improve your marine weather forecasts.
The sessions cost $35 each or $90 for the bundle. Early birds who register by February 15 using the discount code “SpinSheet-Save10,” will save 10 percent. Registration includes live webinars and access to the recordings through June 30. Learn more at spinsheet.com/weather-webinar.
Questions? Email [email protected].
