{"id":61715,"date":"2026-01-09T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=61715"},"modified":"2026-01-09T12:36:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T17:36:29","slug":"race-navigators-read-the-atlantic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/how-to\/race-navigators-read-the-atlantic\/","title":{"rendered":"How Top Race Navigators Read the Atlantic and What Cruisers Can Learn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/predictwind-1024x435.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"PredictWind\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/predictwind-1024x435.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/predictwind-300x128.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/predictwind-768x326.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/predictwind.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">A PredictWind weather model offers a snapshot of the Atlantic trade-wind patterns and routing decisions facing the fleet in the RORC Transatlantic Race.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">PredictWind\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<iframe id=\"gkstfcayky\" src=\"https:\/\/cruisingworld.dragonforms.com\/gkstfcayky\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>In an Atlantic crossing, whether racing or cruising, the ocean rewards preparation, patience and sound judgment. As competitors ready themselves for the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Antigua, three of offshore sailing\u2019s most accomplished navigators are studying the same weather systems that shape any east to west passage. Their approaches may be sharpened by competition, but the lessons translate directly to long range cruising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris Jackson, RORC race officer and an eight time Atlantic crosser, sets the strategic backdrop. \u201cOn current forecasts the weather outlook for the RORC Transatlantic Race this year is looking good,\u201d he said. The trades appear well established, with a lighter wind exit from the Canary Islands before settling into steadier downwind conditions farther west. For cruisers, that familiar pattern reinforces the value of patience early on, resisting the urge to force speed until the trades fully fill in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Juan-Vila-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Juan Vila\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Juan-Vila-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Juan-Vila-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Juan-Vila-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Juan-Vila.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Veteran navigator Juan Vila brings decades of top-tier offshore experience to James Neville\u2019s Carkeek 45 <i>Ino Noir<\/i> for the RORC Transatlantic Race.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Tim Wright \u2013 Photoaction\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Jackson also points to factors cruisers know well. Isolated squalls may pepper the course, and much of the route is shaping up as a VMG run close to the rhumb line rather than a deep dive south. For passagemakers, that underscores the importance of balancing miles sailed against comfort and consistency, not simply chasing stronger breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Juan Vila, navigating the Carkeek 45 <em>Ino Noir<\/em>, brings a perspective that resonates strongly with cruising sailors. Having navigated everything from America\u2019s Cup yachts to record setting maxis, Vila emphasizes that boat speed dictates strategy. \u201cOn a fast boat you sail from one weather system to the next,\u201d he said. \u201cOn a smaller boat you wait for the weather to come to you, so positioning becomes far more important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carkeek-45-Ino-Noir-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Carkeek 45 Ino Noir\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carkeek-45-Ino-Noir-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carkeek-45-Ino-Noir-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carkeek-45-Ino-Noir-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carkeek-45-Ino-Noir.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The Carkeek 45 <i>Ino Noir<\/i> under sail, a high-performance IRC racer that rewards precise positioning and smart trade-wind strategy.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Tim Wright \u2013 Photoaction\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>That mindset mirrors the reality aboard many cruising boats. Rather than hunting distant forecasts, Vila focuses on medium-range models, currents and the evolving shape of the trades. His advice applies offshore as well. Study how wind belts shift day to day, watch current flow and be ready to adjust course slightly to stay in pressure. Flexibility matters. \u201cThat flexibility is huge,\u201d Vila said, noting how VMG sailing early and efficient reaching later can make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vila also stresses instinct. \u201cWhen you are in island shadows or playing squalls, you trust what you see,\u201d he said. Cruisers threading squall lines at night or managing acceleration zones downwind know that no model replaces eyes on the water and experience built over miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Will-Oxley-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Navigator Will Oxley\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Will-Oxley-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Will-Oxley-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Will-Oxley-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Will-Oxley.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Navigator Will Oxley aboard the Botin-designed Baltic 111 <i>Raven<\/i>, where sustained high speed demands careful routing and sea-state management.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Arthur Daniel\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>At the other end of the spectrum is Will Oxley aboard the Baltic 111 <em>Raven<\/em>, a yacht capable of sustaining speeds that most cruisers will never see. Yet his core principles remain familiar. \u201cThe fundamentals of routing don\u2019t change,\u201d Oxley said. \u201cEvery boat has a polar and you run routings against that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cruisers, the takeaway is knowing your own boat. Understand realistic speeds loaded for passagemaking and factor sea state into decisions. Oxley routes to avoid rough water even if it means sailing farther. That tradeoff will sound familiar to any crew choosing comfort and safety over shaving a few hours off an ETA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Baltic-111-Raven-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Baltic 111 Raven\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Baltic-111-Raven-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Baltic-111-Raven-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Baltic-111-Raven-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Baltic-111-Raven.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The Baltic 111 <i>Raven<\/i> under sail, a powerful offshore thoroughbred capable of maintaining blistering speeds across the Atlantic.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Fraser Edwards\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Oxley also highlights the importance of understanding weather data rather than simply consuming it. \u201cYou must understand why they are showing what they show,\u201d he said. High resolution models are powerful tools, but interpretation and context remain critical. New AI-based models may extend forecast confidence, but judgment still matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Miles Seddon\u2019s world aboard the MOD70 <em>Zoulou<\/em> is defined by speed and immediacy, yet his insights echo classic seamanship. \u201cIt looks like getting into the trade winds quickly and avoiding a ridge of high pressure north of the rhumb line will be key,\u201d he said. For cruisers, that reinforces the classic Atlantic goal of finding sustained pressure and staying out of light air traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Miles-Seddon-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Miles Seddon\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Miles-Seddon-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Miles-Seddon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Miles-Seddon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Miles-Seddon.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Miles Seddon, navigator on Erik Maris\u2019 foiling MOD70 <i>Zoulou<\/i>, balances weather strategy with head-to-head racing at extreme speeds.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Miles Seddon\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>Seddon emphasizes discipline at speed. \u201cWe set clear limits on wind strength and direction before maneuvers,\u201d he said. Long distance cruisers may not jibe at 30 knots, but preplanning sail changes, squall tactics and rest schedules is just as important when shorthanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across three very different boats and mindsets, a common thread emerges. Data informs decisions, but experience refines them. Whether waiting for the weather to arrive, protecting the boat in big seas or committing to a conservative line through uncertain forecasts, the Atlantic demands respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n        <section class=\"hydra-container\">\n\n\t\t\t                <div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MOD70-Zoulou-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"MOD70 Zoulou\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MOD70-Zoulou-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MOD70-Zoulou-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MOD70-Zoulou-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MOD70-Zoulou.jpg 1200w\" \/>                <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n            <figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The MOD70 <i>Zoulou<\/i> under sail, where early access to strong, flat-water trade winds can make thousands of miles disappear.<\/span>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Paul Wyeth \u2013 pwpictures\/Courtesy RORC<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t            <\/figcaption>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>As the RORC Transatlantic fleet prepares to depart Lanzarote, us mortal cruisers watching from afar can take comfort in a familiar truth: The same trade winds, squalls and currents shape every crossing. The best outcomes come from patience and preparation, and making every decision with the long view in mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elite RORC Transatlantic navigators explain how trade winds, squalls and positioning lessons apply directly to offshore cruising passages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":61716,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Cruising World News Desk","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":true,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","sponsored_image":false,"sponsored_url":"","social_share":true,"ad_targeting":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"alternate_title_newsletter":"","alternate_content_newsletter":""},"categories":[164],"tags":[445,2072,183,1280,448,2119,454,351],"class_list":["post-61715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","tag-bluewater-sailing","tag-competitive-sailing","tag-how-to","tag-offshore-sailing","tag-passage-making","tag-rorc","tag-seamanship","tag-weather"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61715"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61715\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}