Winds of the Atlantic: what to expect from the ocean?

Harsh Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean is, without underestimation, gigantic expanses of water. Throughout the year, a variety of winds blow over it. Trade winds, monsoons, polar winds, hurricanes, westerly winds are the heroes of today's material. 

Many centuries ago, these winds were already well known to sailors. They knew how to distinguish them from each other and skillfully use the advantages even despite the technical limitations of those eras.

Today we are armed with serious electronic computers, reliable radio, ubiquitous GPS with AIS, satellite imagery and weather forecast. However, understanding the processes that underlie the formation of winds is still the foundation of safe sailing.

Knowledge of the winds helped Columbus reach the shores of the Caribbean, the Vikings were the first to reach America, and countless generations of sailors successfully reached home. Therefore, let's talk about what difficulties and features of the winds you should expect when starting your voyage across the Atlantic.

Trade winds - satellites of the discoverers 

The Atlantic Ocean washes many tropical regions of our planet. The winds that blow between these areas are called trade winds. This type of wind blows from the east all year round and is famous for its persistence. It was the trade winds that played a decisive role in building routes between Europe and America during the golden age of sailing ships.

The trade winds reach their maximum intensity closer to the equator and the closer you go towards the subtropics, the less their influence will be felt. Above 30 degrees north and south of the equator, they completely lose their strength.

These winds are moderate and stable. The trade winds are a great option for yachtsmen who are comfortable with a speed of 10 knots. A strong and angry trade wind is problematic to catch, they are not particularly stormy or dangerous.

Interestingly, the first map of the trade winds was drawn up as early as 1686 by Edmund Halley. Data about them was collected by British merchant convoys.

Western winds - for thrill seekers

Westerly winds is the general name for the prevailing winds that blow predominantly in the temperate zone. Also, sailors often call western winds headwinds. The appearance of such headwinds is due to the rotation of our planet and the interaction of low and high pressure systems.

The closer you move away from the equator, the stronger the influence of westerly winds will be noticeable. If we are talking about the North Atlantic, then the western winds show specific meteorological patterns there. Such is the paradox - the western winds are constant in their impermanence.

It is thanks to headwinds that storms, rains, snowstorms can come to Europe and North America. For experienced sea dogs, sailing in regions with westerly winds is an exciting and rewarding experience.

At the same time, for lovers of measured sailing, traveling in these areas can be a real challenge. Western winds require an order of magnitude higher level of navigation and boat management knowledge than the trade winds. It is worth recommending a trip to regions with westerly winds to those yachtsmen who are already closely acquainted with all types of winds in the Adriatic. This is great preparation for harsh headwinds.

If your dream is to cross the ocean, then the closest experience and the opportunity to work out will give you the Canary Islands. This is another destination for experienced yachtsmen.

Polar east winds - an option for the most experienced

Polar easterly winds are the prevailing cold and dry winds. They can be found in the polar regions of the Atlantic Ocean. They arise due to the temperature difference between the warm air masses closer to the equator and the cold air of the polar regions.

The most powerful and evil polar winds in winter. It is during this period of time that the difference between temperatures is maximum, as well as the strength of the wind. These winds are fickle and less strong than the trade winds or westerly winds.

By the way, it is thanks to the polar easterly winds that the formation of polar ice caps is possible on our planet. These same winds are directly involved in the regulation of ocean currents. Of course, the "king current" - the Gulf Stream - is also directly dependent on these winds. 

Monsoons are eternal companions of rains

This is another type of seasonal wind in the Atlantic. Monsoons are most common off the west coast of Africa, but can often be seen in other regions along the Atlantic coast.

If the trade winds “ply” between the tropics, then the monsoons “distill” air masses from the tropics to the equator. In summer, these winds blow from the ocean, but in winter they begin to blow from the mainland. Therefore, most often their influence is noticeable precisely in the summer months.

Why are monsoons often called the harbinger of rain? In summer, monsoons blow from the ocean, bringing with them air masses with a huge amount of liquid evaporating from the ocean. When a warm and humid monsoon collides with dry and (relatively) cool air from the land, its intensity increases and a huge amount of condensate falls in heavy rainfall. 

Monsoons appear in different parts of the world in different ways. Therefore, you should take care to look for data on monsoons in the region where you are going to go.

Hurricanes are the wrong time and place

Tropical cyclone hurricanes are one of the most annoying and dangerous things Mother Nature can throw at us. Hurricanes occur, as a rule, in tropical regions, where all the conditions necessary for this exist. 

Hurricanes are often huge - from 100 to 2000 kilometers with a characteristic "eye" in the center. Right at the epicenter of this hurricane, the pressure will be extremely low, and the speed inside the funnel can reach about 300 km / h. Such hurricanes are extremely destructive and dangerous. As soon as the hurricane goes beyond the ocean and hits the land with all its destructive power, it gradually begins to lose strength. 

This terrible, but amazing and in its own way beautiful natural phenomenon is found not only in the Atlantic. It has different names in different parts of the world. What should you know about a hurricane? It's better not to fall into it. When studying weather maps, weather forecasts and sailing areas, pay attention to the likelihood of encountering this natural phenomenon. Learn more about the weather and how to interpret it correctly our instructors at the Interparus Yachting School will tell.

The wind is your main ally and the most malicious pest

Without wind, sailing boats would not be able to move. However, the boat will not be able to budge even after a terrible hurricane. Knowing the dual nature of the wind, one should treat this natural phenomenon with caution and respect. 

Knowledge is our strength against the unbridled power of nature. Knowledge of the winds in the oceans is especially important. These huge "reservoirs" with water occupy 70.8% of the planet's surface and do not tolerate disrespectful and condescending attitude towards themselves. 

The Atlantic Ocean covers 106 million square meters. It is the second largest ocean with a complex wind system. Make sure you know how and by what laws the Atlantic winds work before going out to the ocean, and not during the cruise. The winds in this region are varied and can be a problem.

Before leaving for a trip, be sure to check your equipment, the correct operation of all boat systems. Knowing about the winds can not only make your cruise easier, but sometimes save your life. 

Do not forget that yachting is about a safe holiday!

12.04.2023