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High Surf Advisory #80878
01/07/2016 09:38 AM
01/07/2016 09:38 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Online content OP
Traveler
RickG  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
It's that time of year with a high surf advisory from NWS.

North Shores: Waves and Surf. Seas at 6 To 8 feet with breaking wave height at 10 to 12 feet increasing to 12 to 15 feet.

We head down tomorrow and we'll be starting on the south side of St. John and likely headed to Norman on Monday. We'll be on the lookout for free beer from Mardia Gras.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
BVI Sponsors
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RickG] #80879
01/07/2016 09:47 AM
01/07/2016 09:47 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
Looks like a moderate N swell through Sunday.

TO 9 FEET. DOMINANT PERIOD 14 SECONDS. NORTH SWELL 4 TO
8 FEET. SCATTERED SHOWERS.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: GeorgeC1] #80880
01/07/2016 10:40 AM
01/07/2016 10:40 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
W
windward2c Offline
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windward2c  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
If you are worried about the seas, I think you might have a much more comfortable ride heading to Norman via the north side of St. John. The SFDC still offers some protection vs once you break free from the coast of SJ. Just MHO smile

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: windward2c] #80881
01/07/2016 11:11 AM
01/07/2016 11:11 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Online content OP
Traveler
RickG  Online Content OP
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
We have other reasons to visit St. John, the beauty of the unpopulated south coast, access to the National Park trails and visiting land-based friends. We'll overnight at Lameshur Bay and at Hansen Bay, inside Coral Bay, and we'll make the short sail around to Sopers Hole to check in on Monday when the winds and swell are predicted to be average-ish for this time of year with 15kt winds and 4 foot swells. We know the area well keep clear of lee shores and our sheets in the boat!

As always, weather we go depends on the weather. Last year this week the winds were gusting over 35 and we just headed downwind to Jost and Cane Garden Bay. PredictWind thinks wind and swell could pick up a lot Tuesday/Wednesday next week. We'll see.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RickG] #80882
01/07/2016 11:58 AM
01/07/2016 11:58 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
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Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Quote
RickG said:
We know the area well keep clear of lee shores and our sheets in the boat!

Cheers, RickG


What? You don't use your jib sheet as a fishing line? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
What a mess that turned out to be.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: tradewinds] #80883
01/07/2016 12:06 PM
01/07/2016 12:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
W
windward2c Offline
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windward2c  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
Was in Little Lameshur Bay less than two weeks ago for the first time. Wow! We were the only boat in the entire anchorage. During Xmas week!!! Great trails too, as you mentioned. BUT, we got knocked around a bit on the South side smile

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: windward2c] #80884
01/07/2016 12:39 PM
01/07/2016 12:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 144
We come from the land of ice a...
S
Subaqua Offline
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Subaqua  Offline
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S
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 144
We come from the land of ice a...
this past year was the first year we visited St. John.. we sure liked Salt Pond Bay, especially a treat to pick up the fast open wifi signal. Snorkeling was good, beach was good (although bugs on the beach in the evening were bad). After a run down to St. Croix I couldn't wait to get back to Salt Pond.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: Subaqua] #80885
01/07/2016 12:47 PM
01/07/2016 12:47 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Online content OP
Traveler
RickG  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
Unless there is swell/wind from the south, the south shore of St. John is remarkable. Great diving, snorkeling and hiking. From Lameshure, the brightest lights in view are a light glow from St. Croix. Looking forward to counting meteors.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RickG] #80886
01/07/2016 02:29 PM
01/07/2016 02:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
R
RJC86 Offline
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RJC86  Offline
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R
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Hi Rick,

Curious if you could point me in the right direction for a site to monitor wave / swell forecasts. Something free <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Are the swells and waves decreased a good amount on the lee sides? Sorry for the noob questions as this is my 3rd trip down, but never in this time of the year. Just trying to be proactive before arriving next week.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80887
01/07/2016 03:14 PM
01/07/2016 03:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201
TN
msdj69 Offline
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msdj69  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201
TN


Mike
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80888
01/07/2016 04:03 PM
01/07/2016 04:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Quote
RJC86 said:
Are the swells and waves decreased a good amount on the lee sides?


Just a clarification, a lee shore is different from a leeward side. A lee shore means the shoreline is on the lee side of the boat, so the wind is blowing the boat towards shore.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: msdj69] #80889
01/07/2016 04:09 PM
01/07/2016 04:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
hallucination Offline
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hallucination  Offline
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Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: hallucination] #80890
01/07/2016 04:23 PM
01/07/2016 04:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Online content OP
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RickG  Online Content OP
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
I like predictwind.com for waves and wind. Its free for one geography. Windfinder.com is good for wind with the ability to see actual and forecast wind. As msdj69 mentioned, windguru.cz works well for forecast.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: hallucination] #80891
01/07/2016 04:53 PM
01/07/2016 04:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
R
RJC86 Offline
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RJC86  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
I just caught that myself! thanks for pointing out my error...I do hate looking foolish lol

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80892
01/07/2016 05:55 PM
01/07/2016 05:55 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Solid 6 foot swells at Apple Bay right now...

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80893
01/07/2016 05:57 PM
01/07/2016 05:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Quote
RJC86 said:
I just caught that myself! thanks for pointing out my error...I do hate looking foolish lol


You didn't look foolish. Trust me, a lot of "sailors" in the BVI don't know the difference. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: tradewinds] #80894
01/07/2016 06:05 PM
01/07/2016 06:05 PM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
R
RJC86 Offline
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RJC86  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
thanks tradewinds, hallucinations, manpot and rick for the replies. Im assuming these events (waves and swells) should only last a few days typically?

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80895
01/07/2016 06:49 PM
01/07/2016 06:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 483
Austin, TX
TackingAg Offline
Traveler
TackingAg  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 483
Austin, TX
I also like windguru. Here is another site that was discussed on the site not long ago. I've come to really like using it and then linking down into the charts and web cams in the surrounding area.

Windyty TTOL Discussion


~~~~_/)~~~~
"The TTOL Member Map Guy"
TTOL Member Map
TTOL Member Map Form
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RJC86] #80896
01/07/2016 06:52 PM
01/07/2016 06:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
hallucination Offline
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hallucination  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
Depends on you definition of "few"

Most of the time it is 3-5 days, but the swell are usually driven by systems coming off the US...as you can see, will be getting bigger in the next "few" days.

I have a curiosity, when the "every where" gets pretty high north surf, the entire area can turn this AMAZING light blue, bright electric color that is truly amazing to sail in. almost like a "hallucination" smile

why? aeration? Sediment stir? All I know it is wicked awesome.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: RickG] #80897
01/07/2016 07:38 PM
01/07/2016 07:38 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 192
WI. St. Thomas
TomSW Offline
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TomSW  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 192
WI. St. Thomas
It's
nothing new

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: tradewinds] #80898
01/07/2016 10:10 PM
01/07/2016 10:10 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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MrEZgoin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
Quote
tradewinds said:
Quote
RJC86 said:
Are the swells and waves decreased a good amount on the lee sides?


Just a clarification, a lee shore is different from a leeward side. A lee shore means the shoreline is on the lee side of the boat, so the wind is blowing the boat towards shore.


The question makes perfect sense as stated. He's asking about the leeward side of the island. "Lee shore" need not enter into it.

And the answer is: not always. Sometimes you can have a SE wind and a north swell, really have to check the direction and period of the swell.

Last edited by MrEZgoin; 01/07/2016 10:12 PM.

M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: MrEZgoin] #80899
01/08/2016 09:01 AM
01/08/2016 09:01 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
As stated by itself it makes sense, but it was in reference to a post above it, which was referring to lee shores.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: tradewinds] #80900
01/08/2016 10:00 AM
01/08/2016 10:00 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
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sail445  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
A Lee shore can be on any side of an island depending on the wind, waves and current.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: sail445] #80901
01/08/2016 10:30 AM
01/08/2016 10:30 AM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Hamilton Mass
B
Boston Offline
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Boston  Offline
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B
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Hamilton Mass
Or it can be a six million dollar man;)

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: Boston] #80902
01/09/2016 07:45 AM
01/09/2016 07:45 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 17
TropicalBlend Offline
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TropicalBlend  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 17
Getting back to the surf advisory... we anchored at Pond Bay January 5th and 6th. It was very calm in there on the 5th, almost no surf at all on the beach. At around 3 in the morning on the 6th, we felt wave slap on our swim platform (we have a Nordhavn MY with an extended swim platform) which got worse over time, and we were bouncing a lot. A little after sunrise, I got up and say that the dinghy, cable locked to the swim ladder, had pulled the ladder into the water and was banging against the platform. Thw swell was breaking over the reef at about 5 to 6 feet. Every 4 or 5 waves, our cockpit got drenched from the wave slap, as the wind kept our stern into the swell. It felt dangerous, so we got out. Once we got past the reef, the seas were actually quite calm. We came into Leverick Bay, which was also calm. I now see what the guidebook means about Savannah Bay in a north swell condition...


Living life at seven knots on the M/V Tropical Blend
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: TropicalBlend] #80903
01/09/2016 07:51 AM
01/09/2016 07:51 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
The swell was well predicted but is dying right down now ( Sat 9th)..

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: Manpot] #80904
01/09/2016 01:02 PM
01/09/2016 01:02 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
Traveler
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Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Looks like another north groundswell is coming in on Monday.

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: tradewinds] #80905
01/09/2016 07:09 PM
01/09/2016 07:09 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma Offline
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SuburbanDharma  Offline
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Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
Almost got rolled out of bed about 15 times last night by south swells into Christmas Cove...finally got up around dawn & moved to the hammock. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sick.gif" alt="" />

We haven't had anything out of the north for the last couple weeks- it's been from east or south.


If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning. [Linked Image]
Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: SuburbanDharma] #80906
01/09/2016 07:37 PM
01/09/2016 07:37 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
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sail445  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
On Monday 15K NE winds will take over the area for a few days according to the weather service along with seas up to 9'

Re: High Surf Advisory [Re: Boston] #80907
01/10/2016 04:00 PM
01/10/2016 04:00 PM
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 364
CA, USA
Pvgreg Offline
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Pvgreg  Offline
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Posts: 364
CA, USA
Quote
Boston said:
Or it can be a six million dollar man;)


That would be Lee Majors <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


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