Basic Marine Weather Presentations & Seminars

Learn a little meteorology and reduce some of the uncertainty of boating on the Great Lakes. An enhanced understanding of basic weather principles and a few simple forecasting skills can allow you to:

  • enhance your cruise planning skills;
  • improve your racing performance;
  • reduce the likelihood of being exposed to uncomfortable or hazardous weather conditions.

It is impossible to predict the weather with total precision, but that doesn’t mean that the weather must be entirely unpredictable.

The Great Lakes Basic Marine Weather Seminar is a one-day seminar designed to provide Great Lakes boaters with an understanding of basic marine meteorology. Over the course of the day, attendees will learn about the forces controlling the wind, the formation and movement of low pressure systems, wave forecasting, and how to identify the conditions favoring the development of severe weather. Attendees will develop a basic forecasting resource kit based upon publicly available government and university websites.

Additional information regarding the seminar is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Download a brochure or a flyer describing the seminar.

Download a copy of the forecasting reference guide.

As both a sailor and a meteorologist, I am uniquely qualified to improve the weather-related skills of your members. Please contact Mark Thornton by email or call 440-250-9179 to learn how a Basic Marine Weather seminar can help address your organization's educational, safety, and membership goals.

Upcoming Seminars

Now scheduling for 2012/2013




Click Here For Full Schedule


Seminar Reviews
"The presentation was excellent. The information you provided over the weekend was invaluable. I would encourage all boaters, sail and power, to attend one of Mark's seminars." -- Chip S.

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