Wind as a resource for summer nautical recreation. Guincho beach study case

Abstract

Guincho is known as the windiest beach of Portugal, ideal for nautical activities, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. The main goals of this study are to explore the wind characteristics in Guincho and to compare the synoptic forecasts accessible to the public with actually occurring weather conditions. We used meteorological data, synoptical information, forecasts and field observations during the summers of 2009 and 2010. A sample of 124 days with good conditions for windsurfing were selected and classified into different groups. Within each group, the wind measured (and indirectly observed) in Guincho was compared to the results of the Global Forecast System (GFS). This analysis led to a useful classification allowing interpretation of GFS surface wind forecasts available to surfers at Guincho. We conclude that global weather models do not accurately forecast the wind, particularly due to model resolution and parameterisations, which do not detail local phenomena.