Atlantic Ocean outlook
by Noonsite 6 May 2024 14:23 UTC
Atlantic Ocean © noonsite.com
The authors of the Norwegian Cruising Guide are now offering Volume 1 as a free Online Book.
This section of the guide includes planning details, Customs and Immigration regulations, communications technology, weather forecast times, yacht services, safety recommendations, multiple links and much more. Download it here. Volumes 2 to 5, covering pilotage and anchorages throughout Norway, continue to be published as e-Books.
There has been a worrying increase in reports of GPS jamming, particularly in the Baltic area, since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. On 29 March, one such episode lasted 47 hours and affected over 1600 aircraft. Sailors should be aware this is not confined to just the Baltic, but appears to be increasingly widespread.
Severe storms which struck the US eastern state of Maine during January and March 2024, have resulted in significant damage to many waterfront services and marinas. Cruisers planning to visit the Maine coastline this Spring and Summer should check the state of local marinas and harbors before setting out and be aware that there may be considerable debris still floating in the water.
While the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season is not until June 1st, scientists and weather forecasters are already predicting an extremely active season with as many as 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.
Cruisers in the Caribbean and those crossing the Atlantic Ocean should take note that anti-drug smuggling operations by the US Coast Guard have intercepted three vessels since February 2024, including a self-propelled semi-submersible craft.
Puerto Williams in southern Chile is known for its unique Miclavi Yacht Club, housed in an old ship, where the bridge and forward sections of the ship have been turned into a sailors' lounge with a significant collection of memorabilia from visiting yachts and crews. Recent changes mean that there is no longer a bar service or free Wifi, however the lounge can still be used by passing crew who in turn are responsible for keeping everything ship-shape.
Also in Chile, Puerto Natales is no longer a friendly stop for cruisers as the fishing terminal is now closed to visiting yachts. It's best to assume you will have to anchor here.
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