I am interested by the possibility
of high resolution mesoscale modelling for competitive sailing as a forecasting
tool. I was involved in the forecasting effort put together by the Bureau
of Meteorology during the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics games.
A range of techniques was used to provide forecast of wind direction
and speed in four different locations in Sydney Harbour and off-shore.
Several statistical methods were used to complement information provided
by a high resolution (5km horizontal grid) mesoscale model from BMRC: LAPS.
This model is currently run daily for several domains around Australia
and provide detailed local air flow (e.g. sea-breeze front) used for air
pollution.
See an example for Victoria.
The model provides high resolution, low level wind information useful for
sailing activities, see an example for Port
Phillip Bay. Current forecast can be compared with what is actually
happening on the
Bay.
