Forecast for Vallejo Race

"What happens wind-wise on Saturday for the YRA’s Great Vallejo Race is the topic of great debate," writes Mike Dvorak of Sail Tactics. "NOAA has issued a gale warning over the open ocean waters. The Sail Tactics 2-Day Outlook forecast shows strong offshore winds being reduced to something more manageable in San Pablo Bay, although it could be gusty, so keep an eye out for the big puffs on Saturday. An upper-level trough (low) is transiting the area and the exact magnitude of the winds in San Pablo Bay is unclear at this point. Each successive run of the GFS and NAM models shows a slightly alternating intensity and location of the trough over the Bay Area. Our Sail Tactics Day-Of wind forecast, out at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, will give the best guidance on the wind intensity and direction. As always, please keep a strong watch on the NOAA warnings to get the best marine safety information."

"Sunday’s race is looking a little more normal, with patchy winds scattering fleets, making one route more favored than others. Winds from the 2-Day Outlook forecast are showing everything from calm to low teens for knots in a mostly WNW direction."

The forecast for Saturday night at Vallejo Yacht Club calls for a crowded but convivial harbor, serious rehashings of race tactics, not-so-serious random Captain Ron sightings and BBQ sauce stains, topped off by Mt. Gay Rum-fueled dancing to two live bands. Remember, you haven’t ‘done’ the Great Vallejo Race if you haven’t done the party!