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2018 Gulf Stream Pre-Start Analysis

June 14, 2018

By Frank Bohlen


In the final days before the start, the view of the Gulf Stream's structure and flow is somewhat clouded. By W. Frank Bohlen

Due to persistent cloud cover, satellite views of the Gulf Stream have been less than ideal for navigators looking to plot a winning strategy in the Newport Bermuda Race beginning on Friday, June 15th. However, it's clear that the pronounced meander in the Stream that was visible for our June 1st report has moved on to the east by 120 miles.

The composite satellite view of the Gulf Stream as of June 9, 2018. https://marine.rutgers.edu/cool/sat_data/?nothumbs=0

The Stream is now flowing easterly on an axis that is more directly across the course.  However, there are a number of current "features" flowing in circular rotation that will affect boats as they sail on to the south side of the Stream.

The satellite altimetry-derived surface currents along the rhumb line to Bermuda, June 11, 2018 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/phod/dataphod/work/trinanes/INTERFACE/index.html

For a full report, read Analysis #3, which includes several illustrations and web links. Analysis #1 and #2 are also available, as well as previous years' studies on the Gulf Stream Tutorials page.

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