It's great to have so many models to choose from, but which one should I choose?

If you’re not familiar with weather models, you’re probably wondering which ones to choose.
Here are a few simple rules:

Select the model according to your navigation area and type of sailing, following the table below.

For weather data, if in doubt, choose the ECMWF IFS model.
The ECMWF IFS model covers the entire globe for up to 14 days. However, note that forecast reliability decreases with time:

Forecast rangeReliability level
Up to 2 daysExcellent
2–4 daysVery good
4–5 daysGood
5–8 daysReasonable trend
8–10 daysRough trend
BeyondAt best a trend — often unreliable.
Prefer the AIFS model, computed using Artificial Intelligence.

Here’s a table to help you choose. We’ll soon add an automatic selection feature based on your sailing program.

Type of dataType of navigationFrance – Atlantic & ChannelFrance – MediterraneanEurope (outside France)United StatesRest of the World
WeatherDay sailing in a bayAromeAromeUKV, ICON Europe Arpege EuropeNAM
HRR Conus		ECMWF IFS
WeatherCoastalArpege EuropeArpege Europe
ICON Europe		UKV, ICON Europe Arpege EuropeNAM
HRR Conus		ECMWF IFS
WeatherOffshoreECMWF IFS
and AIFS
GFS		ECMWF IFS
and AIFS ICON Europe		ECMWF IFS
and AIFS
GFS		ECMWF IFS
and AIFS
GFS		ECMWF IFS
and AIFS
GFS
WavesCoastalMFWAM
France		MFWAM
France		MFWAM GlobalGFS WaveGFS Wave
WavesOffshoreMFWAM + GFS WaveMFWAM GlobalMFWAM Global
GFS Wave		MFWAM + GFS WaveMFWAM + GFS Wave
CurrentsDay sailing in a bayIfremerCopernicus MedCopernicusMSC
NCOM		Copernicus
SMOC
Tidal currentsCoastalCopernicus IBICopernicus MedCopernicus IBI or ENWSMSC
NCOM		Copernicus
SMOC
Ocean currentsAllCopernicus IBICopernicus MedCopernicus IBI or ENWSCopernicus GlobalCopernicus Global
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