Radar on a cell phone
 

I'm relatively new to boating and a frequent reader of this group. Last
year was exceptionally hard to plan trips because the weather was
less than cooperative. I'm in Calvert county MD and spend most of my time on
the Chesapeake Bay Chance of showers and thunderstorms was the forecast for
most of the season. After my Startac took it's last drink during Isabel, I
picked up a new cell phone. I like Motorola products and Verizon has the
best coverage in my area. I was all set to use my new cell phone and a
laptop to dial up an ISP like, NetZero and get my weather/doppler images
there. What I discovered is that Verizon and other cell companies now have
services that provide you with weather data and radar images on your cell
phone. You can pan, zoom in and view a series of radar shots (radar in
motion). Check with your carrier for phone requirements, but Verizon
offers at least 5 weather related services which run $3.00 to $4.00 a month.
This is a subscription based service with no contractual obligations.
Airtime charges apply while in use.

This is exactly what I needed, perhaps you'll find value in this also.

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

See you on the bay,

John

Just in case you're curious.. I do not work for Verizon, this is not a plug.

Radar on a cell phone
 

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

I'm relatively new to boating and a frequent reader of this group. Last
year was exceptionally hard to plan trips because the weather was
less than cooperative. I'm in Calvert county MD and spend most of my time on
the Chesapeake Bay Chance of showers and thunderstorms was the forecast for
most of the season. After my Startac took it's last drink during Isabel, I
picked up a new cell phone. I like Motorola products and Verizon has the
best coverage in my area. I was all set to use my new cell phone and a
laptop to dial up an ISP like, NetZero and get my weather/doppler images
there. What I discovered is that Verizon and other cell companies now have
services that provide you with weather data and radar images on your cell
phone. You can pan, zoom in and view a series of radar shots (radar in
motion). Check with your carrier for phone requirements, but Verizon
offers at least 5 weather related services which run $3.00 to $4.00 a month.
This is a subscription based service with no contractual obligations.
Airtime charges apply while in use.

This is exactly what I needed, perhaps you'll find value in this also.

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

See you on the bay,

John

Just in case you're curious.. I do not work for Verizon, this is not a plug.

Radar on a cell phone
 

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

I'm relatively new to boating and a frequent reader of this group. Last
year was exceptionally hard to plan trips because the weather was
less than cooperative. I'm in Calvert county MD and spend most of my time on
the Chesapeake Bay Chance of showers and thunderstorms was the forecast for
most of the season. After my Startac took it's last drink during Isabel, I
picked up a new cell phone. I like Motorola products and Verizon has the
best coverage in my area. I was all set to use my new cell phone and a
laptop to dial up an ISP like, NetZero and get my weather/doppler images
there. What I discovered is that Verizon and other cell companies now have
services that provide you with weather data and radar images on your cell
phone. You can pan, zoom in and view a series of radar shots (radar in
motion). Check with your carrier for phone requirements, but Verizon
offers at least 5 weather related services which run $3.00 to $4.00 a month.
This is a subscription based service with no contractual obligations.
Airtime charges apply while in use.

This is exactly what I needed, perhaps you'll find value in this also.

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

See you on the bay,

John

Just in case you're curious.. I do not work for Verizon, this is not a plug.

Radar on a cell phone
 

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

Chesapeake squalls can move! 20-25 knots isn't unusual and they pack
50-70 knot winds at least once a season. They're usually from the SW,
but can blow up east or west of an obvious cell in minutes. (If the
squall is to the north, you're usually safe.) Sometimes you can see the
squall or line, sometimes it's imbedded, and it often doesn't include
thunder or lightning.

If I had a radar and a crew member to study it constantly, I'd add it to
the arsenal, but I have neither.

Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

They've gotten pretty good about tracking squalls. Last Labor Day
weekend, they announced one was going to hit Dove Cove, within eyesight
of our marina and where a friend of ours was anchored at the time. It
hit just where and when they predicted. I couldn't see any obvious
warning signs just 5 nm away.

The next weekend, we heard a warning while under bright sunshine. As we
were in an open anchorage with poorish holding, we (6-7 boats) unrafted,
moved to a better spot about 2 miles up the river and got our anchors
down just as the squall hit. A couple of miles south, 26 or 28 boats
didn't hear or act and wound up on the shore. (One of them was a
dockmate that WAS properly anchored but got dragged down on twice by the
same boat.)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

Chesapeake squalls can move! 20-25 knots isn't unusual and they pack
50-70 knot winds at least once a season. They're usually from the SW,
but can blow up east or west of an obvious cell in minutes. (If the
squall is to the north, you're usually safe.) Sometimes you can see the
squall or line, sometimes it's imbedded, and it often doesn't include
thunder or lightning.

If I had a radar and a crew member to study it constantly, I'd add it to
the arsenal, but I have neither.

Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

They've gotten pretty good about tracking squalls. Last Labor Day
weekend, they announced one was going to hit Dove Cove, within eyesight
of our marina and where a friend of ours was anchored at the time. It
hit just where and when they predicted. I couldn't see any obvious
warning signs just 5 nm away.

The next weekend, we heard a warning while under bright sunshine. As we
were in an open anchorage with poorish holding, we (6-7 boats) unrafted,
moved to a better spot about 2 miles up the river and got our anchors
down just as the squall hit. A couple of miles south, 26 or 28 boats
didn't hear or act and wound up on the shore. (One of them was a
dockmate that WAS properly anchored but got dragged down on twice by the
same boat.)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin' winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of
you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

Chesapeake squalls can move! 20-25 knots isn't unusual and they pack
50-70 knot winds at least once a season. They're usually from the SW,
but can blow up east or west of an obvious cell in minutes. (If the
squall is to the north, you're usually safe.) Sometimes you can see the
squall or line, sometimes it's imbedded, and it often doesn't include
thunder or lightning.

If I had a radar and a crew member to study it constantly, I'd add it to
the arsenal, but I have neither.

Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

They've gotten pretty good about tracking squalls. Last Labor Day
weekend, they announced one was going to hit Dove Cove, within eyesight
of our marina and where a friend of ours was anchored at the time. It
hit just where and when they predicted. I couldn't see any obvious
warning signs just 5 nm away.

The next weekend, we heard a warning while under bright sunshine. As we
were in an open anchorage with poorish holding, we (6-7 boats) unrafted,
moved to a better spot about 2 miles up the river and got our anchors
down just as the squall hit. A couple of miles south, 26 or 28 boats
didn't hear or act and wound up on the shore. (One of them was a
dockmate that WAS properly anchored but got dragged down on twice by the
same boat.)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin' winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

you're worrying about not knowing when thunderstorms are immenent on the
Chesepeake? Why? You can see the clouds. The thunderstorm is north of
you,
get your sails down and your engine running.

Chesapeake squalls can move! 20-25 knots isn't unusual and they pack
50-70 knot winds at least once a season. They're usually from the SW,
but can blow up east or west of an obvious cell in minutes. (If the
squall is to the north, you're usually safe.) Sometimes you can see the
squall or line, sometimes it's imbedded, and it often doesn't include
thunder or lightning.

If I had a radar and a crew member to study it constantly, I'd add it to
the arsenal, but I have neither.

Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

They've gotten pretty good about tracking squalls. Last Labor Day
weekend, they announced one was going to hit Dove Cove, within eyesight
of our marina and where a friend of ours was anchored at the time. It
hit just where and when they predicted. I couldn't see any obvious
warning signs just 5 nm away.

The next weekend, we heard a warning while under bright sunshine. As we
were in an open anchorage with poorish holding, we (6-7 boats) unrafted,
moved to a better spot about 2 miles up the river and got our anchors
down just as the squall hit. A couple of miles south, 26 or 28 boats
didn't hear or act and wound up on the shore. (One of them was a
dockmate that WAS properly anchored but got dragged down on twice by the
same boat.)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

It isn't much use in the winter so I turn it off to save a few bucks.
--
-jeff




"John Tretick" wrote in message
...
I'm relatively new to boating and a frequent reader of this group. Last
year was exceptionally hard to plan trips because the weather was
less than cooperative. I'm in Calvert county MD and spend most of my time on
the Chesapeake Bay Chance of showers and thunderstorms was the forecast for
most of the season. After my Startac took it's last drink during Isabel, I
picked up a new cell phone. I like Motorola products and Verizon has the
best coverage in my area. I was all set to use my new cell phone and a
laptop to dial up an ISP like, NetZero and get my weather/doppler images
there. What I discovered is that Verizon and other cell companies now have
services that provide you with weather data and radar images on your cell
phone. You can pan, zoom in and view a series of radar shots (radar in
motion). Check with your carrier for phone requirements, but Verizon
offers at least 5 weather related services which run $3.00 to $4.00 a month.
This is a subscription based service with no contractual obligations.
Airtime charges apply while in use.

This is exactly what I needed, perhaps you'll find value in this also.

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

See you on the bay,

John

Just in case you're curious.. I do not work for Verizon, this is not a plug.

Radar on a cell phone
 

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

It isn't much use in the winter so I turn it off to save a few bucks.
--
-jeff




"John Tretick" wrote in message
...
I'm relatively new to boating and a frequent reader of this group. Last
year was exceptionally hard to plan trips because the weather was
less than cooperative. I'm in Calvert county MD and spend most of my time on
the Chesapeake Bay Chance of showers and thunderstorms was the forecast for
most of the season. After my Startac took it's last drink during Isabel, I
picked up a new cell phone. I like Motorola products and Verizon has the
best coverage in my area. I was all set to use my new cell phone and a
laptop to dial up an ISP like, NetZero and get my weather/doppler images
there. What I discovered is that Verizon and other cell companies now have
services that provide you with weather data and radar images on your cell
phone. You can pan, zoom in and view a series of radar shots (radar in
motion). Check with your carrier for phone requirements, but Verizon
offers at least 5 weather related services which run $3.00 to $4.00 a month.
This is a subscription based service with no contractual obligations.
Airtime charges apply while in use.

This is exactly what I needed, perhaps you'll find value in this also.

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

See you on the bay,

John

Just in case you're curious.. I do not work for Verizon, this is not a plug.

Radar on a cell phone
 

jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 03:52:33 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:


Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

Those warnings have gotten pretty good in New York as well.




Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

Entering your freshman dorm for the first time, and seeing
an axe head come through the door on your right.

Radar on a cell phone
 

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 03:52:33 GMT, Jere Lull wrote:


Personally, I depend upon the weather warnings as THEY can keep their
heads buried in their far superior radars while I handle the boat and
watch the sky.

Those warnings have gotten pretty good in New York as well.




Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

Entering your freshman dorm for the first time, and seeing
an axe head come through the door on your right.

Radar on a cell phone
 

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.



"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.



"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

John thanks for the information. Could you share with the NG which of
the Verizon packages you found most useful? It is not clear from the
link which would be most beneficial.

harlan

In article , John Tretick
wrote:

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Radar on a cell phone
 

John thanks for the information. Could you share with the NG which of
the Verizon packages you found most useful? It is not clear from the
link which would be most beneficial.

harlan

In article , John Tretick
wrote:

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Radar on a cell phone
 

I have seen the wsi on my boat pegged at 65 knots, with sustained gusts.

I guarantee you can see a thunderstorm coming for LOTs longer than ten minutes.
Or at least you can if you open your eyes and glance around on occasion.

I do recall a guy with full sails up heading east in about 10 knots of wind
looking at me funny for being in foul weather gear on my deck reefing the main,
my boat pointing west. Kind of a smirk on his face as he sailed by. Smirk
once, then smirk again, then puzzled look on his face. Then he glanced around
and saw the thunderstorm about a mile and a half away, to the north and west.
Suddenly he is taking in all the sail he could.

btw, jeffie, watch out for thunderstorms passing to your north. They will get
ya, while those to the south are of little interest.

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.



"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an
approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we
can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its
nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

I have seen the wsi on my boat pegged at 65 knots, with sustained gusts.

I guarantee you can see a thunderstorm coming for LOTs longer than ten minutes.
Or at least you can if you open your eyes and glance around on occasion.

I do recall a guy with full sails up heading east in about 10 knots of wind
looking at me funny for being in foul weather gear on my deck reefing the main,
my boat pointing west. Kind of a smirk on his face as he sailed by. Smirk
once, then smirk again, then puzzled look on his face. Then he glanced around
and saw the thunderstorm about a mile and a half away, to the north and west.
Suddenly he is taking in all the sail he could.

btw, jeffie, watch out for thunderstorms passing to your north. They will get
ya, while those to the south are of little interest.

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.



"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an
approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we
can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its
nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 09:17:56 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

He doesn't need to see it. The crackling static sound behind his
forehead gives plenty of warning. Even the tinfoil lining his
"captain's" hat won't stop it.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.

I dislike the new "trap and release" program at the funny farm, don't
you?

Radar on a cell phone
 

On Wed, 28 Jan 2004 09:17:56 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:

Spoken like someone who's never actually seen a t-storm.

He doesn't need to see it. The crackling static sound behind his
forehead gives plenty of warning. Even the tinfoil lining his
"captain's" hat won't stop it.

Welcome back, Jaxie. But really, get that prescription refilled.

I dislike the new "trap and release" program at the funny farm, don't
you?

Radar on a cell phone
 

There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming - ask the folks that got slammed down on Lake
Norman a few years ago. And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer - that's not, as they say,
"action-able" information. I would suggest using any and every source
of information available.

E

(JAXAshby) wrote in message ...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming - ask the folks that got slammed down on Lake
Norman a few years ago. And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer - that's not, as they say,
"action-able" information. I would suggest using any and every source
of information available.

E

(JAXAshby) wrote in message ...
jeff, ONLY a sailor of training wheels is totally oblivious to an approaching
thunderstorm until 10 minutes before it arrives. The rest of us know their
potential exists for that particular day well before we cast off, and we can
see one developing for a couple hours or more. This ain't rocket science,
except to those floating on training wheels (who be definition are scared
squatless of the water).

I used cell phone radar last season, and it came in handy. Aside from the
obvious advantage of
having an hour or two's notice of t-storms, rather than 10 minutes, its nice
to be able to plan
shore trips, etc.

Radar on a cell phone
 

There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming, if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming, if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

The storm
On May 6, 1989 around 1:00 p.m., 93 sailboats were underway in a large
regatta on Lake Norman. By all accounts it was a "bluebird day" -- no
clouds, medium-heavy breeze (12-18 knots). A perfect day for a
sailboat race.

While the NOAA forecast had called for possible thunderstorms late
that afternoon, no one expected severe weather.

At about 12:30, NOAA issued a "microburst warning" for the area. By
then, the regatta was well underway. Everyone was watching their sail
trim and their competitors.

Most of the fleet was on a long down-wind leg. Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them. Ten minutes later,
the fleet was blasted by a wall of water and winds officially clocked
at 64 – 78 knots.

* Two sailors drowned.
* Nineteen sailors were swept overboard and had to be rescued.
* Four boats sank.
* Sixty-two boats were substantially damaged.

On Lake Norman -- a nice scenic inland lake (sound familiar??), two
and one-half hours from SML.

Survivors described the conditions thusly:

* "A wall of gray—30 feet above the water, roaring towards us."
* "The lake itself seemed to be lifted from its bed."
* "A mixture of lake water, rain, and hail blew like a firehose."
* "Seven foot waves broke over the banks."

One sailor, suddenly aware of the storm, tried to drop his sails, but
the sudden heavy pressure locked the halyards. He was knocked down
with shredded sails. Another sailor tried to secure his companionway
during a knockdown, but water was already pouring in the cabin. His
boat sank.

Many boats were either demasted or lost sails.

Radar on a cell phone
 

The storm
On May 6, 1989 around 1:00 p.m., 93 sailboats were underway in a large
regatta on Lake Norman. By all accounts it was a "bluebird day" -- no
clouds, medium-heavy breeze (12-18 knots). A perfect day for a
sailboat race.

While the NOAA forecast had called for possible thunderstorms late
that afternoon, no one expected severe weather.

At about 12:30, NOAA issued a "microburst warning" for the area. By
then, the regatta was well underway. Everyone was watching their sail
trim and their competitors.

Most of the fleet was on a long down-wind leg. Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them. Ten minutes later,
the fleet was blasted by a wall of water and winds officially clocked
at 64 – 78 knots.

* Two sailors drowned.
* Nineteen sailors were swept overboard and had to be rescued.
* Four boats sank.
* Sixty-two boats were substantially damaged.

On Lake Norman -- a nice scenic inland lake (sound familiar??), two
and one-half hours from SML.

Survivors described the conditions thusly:

* "A wall of gray—30 feet above the water, roaring towards us."
* "The lake itself seemed to be lifted from its bed."
* "A mixture of lake water, rain, and hail blew like a firehose."
* "Seven foot waves broke over the banks."

One sailor, suddenly aware of the storm, tried to drop his sails, but
the sudden heavy pressure locked the halyards. He was knocked down
with shredded sails. Another sailor tried to secure his companionway
during a knockdown, but water was already pouring in the cabin. His
boat sank.

Many boats were either demasted or lost sails.

Radar on a cell phone
 

This is something I just discovered, so I haven't been able to put it to use
on the water as of yet.

weather channel is my choice.. I've compared the echo from the web to the
cell phone, it is the same.


"Harlan Lachman" wrote in message
. net...
John thanks for the information. Could you share with the NG which of
the Verizon packages you found most useful? It is not clear from the
link which would be most beneficial.

harlan

In article , John Tretick
wrote:

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Radar on a cell phone
 

This is something I just discovered, so I haven't been able to put it to use
on the water as of yet.

weather channel is my choice.. I've compared the echo from the web to the
cell phone, it is the same.


"Harlan Lachman" wrote in message
. net...
John thanks for the information. Could you share with the NG which of
the Verizon packages you found most useful? It is not clear from the
link which would be most beneficial.

harlan

In article , John Tretick
wrote:

http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/getgoing.list.do?subCatId=2

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Radar on a cell phone
 

eric, that is a newspaper story, and has much to do with what actually happened
as any other news story. Weather just does not and can not develop that
quickly. Besides you can tell the reporter was fictionalizing when s/he
slipped in that part about

Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them

you also can tell that by

blasted by a wall of water

huh? what "wall of water" is that?

most of the rest of the rhetoric in the story is the reporter "adding drama",
as the phrase goes in journalism school.

as far as the rest of that goes, one day a few years ago four people died in a
thunderstorm in the waters I normally sail when a thunderstorm came through
packing 90+ knots of wind. Many boats on the water damaged.

My boat was not. Why? because I didnt go out that day knowing full well the
chances of very high winds. I expected the high winds about 2:00, and they hit
about 4:00.

This ain't rocket science. Those dark clouds mean *something* and if they are
traveling to the north of you you might be in for a bit of trouble. Plan for
it.

And being out in potential storm conditions in a lightweight racing boat means
you have to keep your eyes open.

buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, if it makes you feel better carry a baby blanket
and a binky.

The storm
On May 6, 1989 around 1:00 p.m., 93 sailboats were underway in a large
regatta on Lake Norman. By all accounts it was a "bluebird day" -- no
clouds, medium-heavy breeze (12-18 knots). A perfect day for a
sailboat race.

While the NOAA forecast had called for possible thunderstorms late
that afternoon, no one expected severe weather.

At about 12:30, NOAA issued a "microburst warning" for the area. By
then, the regatta was well underway. Everyone was watching their sail
trim and their competitors.

Most of the fleet was on a long down-wind leg. Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them. Ten minutes later,
the fleet was blasted by a wall of water and winds officially clocked
at 64 – 78 knots.

* Two sailors drowned.
* Nineteen sailors were swept overboard and had to be rescued.
* Four boats sank.
* Sixty-two boats were substantially damaged.

On Lake Norman -- a nice scenic inland lake (sound familiar??), two
and one-half hours from SML.

Survivors described the conditions thusly:

* "A wall of gray—30 feet above the water, roaring towards us."
* "The lake itself seemed to be lifted from its bed."
* "A mixture of lake water, rain, and hail blew like a firehose."
* "Seven foot waves broke over the banks."

One sailor, suddenly aware of the storm, tried to drop his sails, but
the sudden heavy pressure locked the halyards. He was knocked down
with shredded sails. Another sailor tried to secure his companionway
during a knockdown, but water was already pouring in the cabin. His
boat sank.

Many boats were either demasted or lost sails.

Radar on a cell phone
 

eric, that is a newspaper story, and has much to do with what actually happened
as any other news story. Weather just does not and can not develop that
quickly. Besides you can tell the reporter was fictionalizing when s/he
slipped in that part about

Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them

you also can tell that by

blasted by a wall of water

huh? what "wall of water" is that?

most of the rest of the rhetoric in the story is the reporter "adding drama",
as the phrase goes in journalism school.

as far as the rest of that goes, one day a few years ago four people died in a
thunderstorm in the waters I normally sail when a thunderstorm came through
packing 90+ knots of wind. Many boats on the water damaged.

My boat was not. Why? because I didnt go out that day knowing full well the
chances of very high winds. I expected the high winds about 2:00, and they hit
about 4:00.

This ain't rocket science. Those dark clouds mean *something* and if they are
traveling to the north of you you might be in for a bit of trouble. Plan for
it.

And being out in potential storm conditions in a lightweight racing boat means
you have to keep your eyes open.

buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, if it makes you feel better carry a baby blanket
and a binky.

The storm
On May 6, 1989 around 1:00 p.m., 93 sailboats were underway in a large
regatta on Lake Norman. By all accounts it was a "bluebird day" -- no
clouds, medium-heavy breeze (12-18 knots). A perfect day for a
sailboat race.

While the NOAA forecast had called for possible thunderstorms late
that afternoon, no one expected severe weather.

At about 12:30, NOAA issued a "microburst warning" for the area. By
then, the regatta was well underway. Everyone was watching their sail
trim and their competitors.

Most of the fleet was on a long down-wind leg. Few of the participants
noticed an area of dark sky emerging behind them. Ten minutes later,
the fleet was blasted by a wall of water and winds officially clocked
at 64 – 78 knots.

* Two sailors drowned.
* Nineteen sailors were swept overboard and had to be rescued.
* Four boats sank.
* Sixty-two boats were substantially damaged.

On Lake Norman -- a nice scenic inland lake (sound familiar??), two
and one-half hours from SML.

Survivors described the conditions thusly:

* "A wall of gray—30 feet above the water, roaring towards us."
* "The lake itself seemed to be lifted from its bed."
* "A mixture of lake water, rain, and hail blew like a firehose."
* "Seven foot waves broke over the banks."

One sailor, suddenly aware of the storm, tried to drop his sails, but
the sudden heavy pressure locked the halyards. He was knocked down
with shredded sails. Another sailor tried to secure his companionway
during a knockdown, but water was already pouring in the cabin. His
boat sank.

Many boats were either demasted or lost sails.

Radar on a cell phone
 

Right, Jaxie, a line squall isn't visible at a distance through the warm, humid
air the precedes it. And fast moving lines often don't develop the tradition
"anvils," and when they do occur they pop up fairly quickly. When a front is
coming through, its nice to be able to visualize the "prefrontal squall line" to
know what's coming.

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which
means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming, if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

Right, Jaxie, a line squall isn't visible at a distance through the warm, humid
air the precedes it. And fast moving lines often don't develop the tradition
"anvils," and when they do occur they pop up fairly quickly. When a front is
coming through, its nice to be able to visualize the "prefrontal squall line" to
know what's coming.

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which
means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming, if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

you're right, jeffie, thunderstorms appear out of nowhere and do so in less
than 9.87595957595 minutes. Do spend money on a service to tell you a
thunderstorm in coming 'cuz you shore ain't never gonna tell othewise.
Thunderstorms, theys God's way of tellin' ya hes gonna getcha.

On the other hand, some people feel thunderstorms are Darwin's way of improving
the breeding stock.

Right, Jaxie, a line squall isn't visible at a distance through the warm,
humid
air the precedes it. And fast moving lines often don't develop the tradition
"anvils," and when they do occur they pop up fairly quickly. When a front is
coming through, its nice to be able to visualize the "prefrontal squall line"
to
know what's coming.

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which
means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be
seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming,
if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

you're right, jeffie, thunderstorms appear out of nowhere and do so in less
than 9.87595957595 minutes. Do spend money on a service to tell you a
thunderstorm in coming 'cuz you shore ain't never gonna tell othewise.
Thunderstorms, theys God's way of tellin' ya hes gonna getcha.

On the other hand, some people feel thunderstorms are Darwin's way of improving
the breeding stock.

Right, Jaxie, a line squall isn't visible at a distance through the warm,
humid
air the precedes it. And fast moving lines often don't develop the tradition
"anvils," and when they do occur they pop up fairly quickly. When a front is
coming through, its nice to be able to visualize the "prefrontal squall line"
to
know what's coming.

"JAXAshby" wrote in message
...
There are lots of places where people sail and it's difficult to see a
thunderstorm coming

bull****. Thunderstorm clouds go as high as 60,000 feet sometimes, which
means
they can be seen up to 300 nm away. Even 10,000 foot high clouds can be
seen
up to 122 nm away. Can't see that coming?

And there are many places where the potential
exists every day in the summer

thunderstorms don't form inside of 30 seconds. You *KNOW* they are coming,
if
one just pays attention.

Radar on a cell phone
 

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin' winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of
ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'


It's Jere, not jerry....

What I wrote was not "book reading". It was 20 years' experience on the
Chesapeake, easily 1000 days away from the dock.

Your area may have different characteristics, probably does. What you
have learned may not serve you well if you wander onto the Bay.

Related story from a friend: He befriended a UK family just starting
onto the Bay for a season's cruising before they completed their
circumnavigation. He warned them of squalls. They pooh-poohed the
warnings. After all, they had 20-30k miles under that stout boat's keel,
had been brushed (once hard) by several hurricanes or cyclones, and had
experienced lots of "weather". Simple thunderstorms didn't bother them
much.

A week or so later, they left the Potomac north bound. North of the
Solomons, they found out what the warnings were all about. They were SO
shaken that they returned to the Potomac that they knew rather than the
Solomons that seemed tight under the conditions.

Our friend didn't pay for any drinks when next they met.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin' winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of
ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'


It's Jere, not jerry....

What I wrote was not "book reading". It was 20 years' experience on the
Chesapeake, easily 1000 days away from the dock.

Your area may have different characteristics, probably does. What you
have learned may not serve you well if you wander onto the Bay.

Related story from a friend: He befriended a UK family just starting
onto the Bay for a season's cruising before they completed their
circumnavigation. He warned them of squalls. They pooh-poohed the
warnings. After all, they had 20-30k miles under that stout boat's keel,
had been brushed (once hard) by several hurricanes or cyclones, and had
experienced lots of "weather". Simple thunderstorms didn't bother them
much.

A week or so later, they left the Potomac north bound. North of the
Solomons, they found out what the warnings were all about. They were SO
shaken that they returned to the Potomac that they knew rather than the
Solomons that seemed tight under the conditions.

Our friend didn't pay for any drinks when next they met.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

right, jerry, in the Chesey the REALLY strong winds in a thunderstorm are in
the NW quadrant, and the storms move in from the NE. The rest of the n.
hemisphere follows its own path.

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin'
winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of

ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'


It's Jere, not jerry....

What I wrote was not "book reading". It was 20 years' experience on the
Chesapeake, easily 1000 days away from the dock.

Your area may have different characteristics, probably does. What you
have learned may not serve you well if you wander onto the Bay.

Related story from a friend: He befriended a UK family just starting
onto the Bay for a season's cruising before they completed their
circumnavigation. He warned them of squalls. They pooh-poohed the
warnings. After all, they had 20-30k miles under that stout boat's keel,
had been brushed (once hard) by several hurricanes or cyclones, and had
experienced lots of "weather". Simple thunderstorms didn't bother them
much.

A week or so later, they left the Potomac north bound. North of the
Solomons, they found out what the warnings were all about. They were SO
shaken that they returned to the Potomac that they knew rather than the
Solomons that seemed tight under the conditions.

Our friend didn't pay for any drinks when next they met.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar on a cell phone
 

right, jerry, in the Chesey the REALLY strong winds in a thunderstorm are in
the NW quadrant, and the storms move in from the NE. The rest of the n.
hemisphere follows its own path.

In article ,
(JAXAshby) wrote:

jerry, what a yo-yo are.

while thunderstorms *move* from the sw to the ne, the ROUGHEST frickin'
winds
come when the darkest (ya no, as in frickin' DARK) cloud are ta da north of

ya.

jerry, you read waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many books without actually
gittin' out out on da watah to see WTF es happin'


It's Jere, not jerry....

What I wrote was not "book reading". It was 20 years' experience on the
Chesapeake, easily 1000 days away from the dock.

Your area may have different characteristics, probably does. What you
have learned may not serve you well if you wander onto the Bay.

Related story from a friend: He befriended a UK family just starting
onto the Bay for a season's cruising before they completed their
circumnavigation. He warned them of squalls. They pooh-poohed the
warnings. After all, they had 20-30k miles under that stout boat's keel,
had been brushed (once hard) by several hurricanes or cyclones, and had
experienced lots of "weather". Simple thunderstorms didn't bother them
much.

A week or so later, they left the Potomac north bound. North of the
Solomons, they found out what the warnings were all about. They were SO
shaken that they returned to the Potomac that they knew rather than the
Solomons that seemed tight under the conditions.

Our friend didn't pay for any drinks when next they met.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Radar for weather at NIGHT Was Radar on a cell phone
 

Hmm.. I have rarely seen T-storms at night, course my eyes are not that good
as some.

Foregoing Vitriol, raving and puffery deleted..

As part of keeping your log with regular observations at say even bells.
SOP in Lioness is to plot position and sweep the radar to look for vessels
and thunderclouds.

With 48 mile range you do get a good warning. A cell phone that gave you a
message on weather would be nice, yet does not work offshore.


Course if all you do is sail in category 4 water it is no biggie.

Sheldon