What are 'Normal' seas on a transatlantic?

[timonier]

On a good day in the north atlantic what is considered normal wave height?

 

I know I've heard the words mill pond, and rough seas are often

described over 20 feet, but what would be considered just seas?

[ricker]

On a good day on the Atlantic I've experienced usually "moderate" seas, but of course there will be passages through weather systems with rougher seas.

 

0 Calm (glassy) 0 m

1 Calm (rippled) 0 - 0.1 m

2 Smooth (wavelets) 0.1 to 0.5 m

3 Slight 0.5 to 1.25 m

4 Moderate 1.25 to 2.5 m

5 Rough 2.5 to 4 m

6 Very rough 4 to 6 m

7 High 6 to 9 m

8 Very high 9 to 14 m

9 Phenomenal Over 14 m

 

For the current and forcast sea state (in feet) see:

 

https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/PUBLIC/WAM/all_natl.html

 

Enjoy your trip,

 

Rick J

[iceman666]

On our transatlantic we experienced everything from smooth (in fog) to 20 foot plus. We learned that it isn't necessarily the wave height that can make the crossing rough but the angle that the waves are hitting the ship.

 

Apparently QM2 has very good stabilisers so she doesn't roll much. But we had waves coming at the bow so the ship was pitching (the bow and stern were going up and down like a see-saw). There is no way to stop pitching and it was quite uncomfortable. One minute you felt weightless and the next you felt you weighed two tons !

 

But don't be too concerned. If you feel queasy, go down to the med centre and ask for the jab. It costs about $60 but is worth it. No more sea sickness for the entire crossing and you will feel 100%.

 

Have a good crossing.