RYA Yachtmaster Meteorology

Question 1

What is the typical sequence of weather associated with the passage of a depression across UK waters?

Accepted Answer

Backing wind, falling pressure, warm front (steady rain), warm sector (cloud/drizzle), cold front (heavy showers/squalls), rising pressure, veering wind, clearing skies

Answer

Calm, then sudden storm

Answer

Sunshine followed by fog

Answer

Constant conditions throughout

Question 2

What is an 'occluded front' and how does it affect weather at sea?

Accepted Answer

A front formed when a cold front catches up with a warm front, lifting the warm air off the surface, often producing prolonged rain and complex wind shifts

Answer

A stationary weather system

Answer

A front that has dissipated

Answer

A tropical weather system

Question 3

How can a barograph trace help predict weather changes offshore?

Accepted Answer

By showing the trend and rate of pressure change over time, allowing the navigator to predict approaching weather systems and their intensity

Answer

It cannot — it only records past weather

Answer

By measuring wind speed

Answer

By tracking wave heights

Question 4

What is a 'ridge of high pressure' and what weather does it typically bring?

Accepted Answer

An extension of high pressure between two lows, typically bringing temporary settled conditions with light winds and fair weather

Answer

A permanent weather feature

Answer

A cause of gale-force winds

Answer

A feature only found in the tropics

Question 5

In the context of offshore sailing, what is a 'secondary depression' and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A small but often intense low that develops on the trailing cold front of a parent depression, sometimes deepening rapidly and bringing unexpectedly severe weather

Answer

A depression that has weakened

Answer

A high-pressure system

Answer

A depression that only forms at night

Question 6

What does the term 'fetch' mean in relation to wave generation?

Accepted Answer

The uninterrupted distance of open water over which the wind blows, directly affecting wave height

Answer

A command to the crew

Answer

The depth of the seabed

Answer

The distance to the nearest harbour