Sailing navigation in the Solent

Posted on July 26, 2024
Last modified on August 17, 2024

This page contains a list of resources I use when sailing and more specifically sailing in the Solent.

Weather conditions

• PredictWind is my preferred application for weather forecasts. It shows the spread of weather models clearly and the free version is good enough.
• Windy is a good alternative for forecasts.
• You can see real time weather updates on Windycator. This website displays real time updates on wind conditions around the UK.
• Read the book Wind Strategy for an introduction to the science behind how the wind works and common wind conditions at different sailing venues.

Solent navigation

• Use Buoy racer for a resilient chart diagram that you can chart courses on and glance at whilst racing.
• The Solent Cruising Companion is the recommended guide to the Solent.
• The book Solent Hazards is a guide to hazards in the area of the Solent.
• Winning tides is a booklet of tide charts diagrams that give an indication of where the tide is flowing around the geography of the Solent. Tide plays a huge role when sailing in the Solent.