SEILmagasinet · video

What this video covers

Marius Løken explains weather routing as a handicapping method used in racing to equalize competition by accounting for forecast wind differences across the course. The system attempts to score boats based on the predicted weather each vessel sails through, spreading the fleet so each boat benefits from its conditions. Løken notes the method's intention is sound but its execution relies on weather model assumptions that can produce large, unpredictable scoring swings — particularly in fjord racing, where forecast uncertainty is high.0:33 He compares weather routing to the older APH (time-on-time) system: for his own boat the difference amounts to 6 percent, while on some other boats it reaches 18 percent, even between vessels with similar performance profiles. That spread, he argues, stems from the assumed weather conditions baked into the scoring model rather than actual sailing performance. Løken suggests the system may need refinement for fjord events and floats the idea of letting sailors choose their own route around a fixed mark — such as Rømbland — as a fairer alternative that reduces model-dependency.

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