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.0:21 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.0:21 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.0:21 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.1:23 That spread, he argues, stems from the assumed weather conditions baked into the scoring model rather than actual sailing performance.1:24 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.2:43

More from SEILmagasinet

Lift Ocean takes aim at sailing on a flight.Aug 2026Every boat has its own storyAug 2026XR 41: X-Yachts back to its rootsAug 2026A Knack for Sailing: Christen With on 60 years in the service of sailingAug 2026

From SEILmagasinet — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.