Oceanography specialist Tidetech has developed a new set of regional oceanographic data ahead of this year’s 635-mile Newport-Bermuda Race.It includes a high-resolution tidal model for Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, and high-quality ocean current data for the Gulf Stream.Tidetech has gained access to state-of-the-art data including ocean currents, tidal currents and wind/atmospheric pressure forecasts from various sources including the North Eastern Regional Association of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS).Tidetech’s in-house scientific and technical team is now applying its unique blend of expertise and capability to perform the complex task of converting the raw data into GRIB files.The company’s managing director Penny Haire said this would be the most comprehensive oceanographic data ever produced for the Newport-Bermuda race.She said the race was an important one with many of its participants “well versed” in modern tactical navigation software and information, including oceanographic data.Haire added: “We’ve been working on the Newport to Bermuda race products for a while … the product elements that feed the models have been carefully selected for quality and performance validated by our world-leading oceanographic data specialists through comparison with satellite altimetry data, sea surface temperatures and observations.“The important point is that the data is delivered as GRIB files which is crucial for competitors using tactical routing software, an invaluable decision-making tool for those serious about offshore or ocean racing.”The Gulf Stream is likely to be influential in race tactics for the race.And, according Haire, this region is the hardest sector of the race to get right tactically which prompted Tidetech to explore “all credible sources of information for best accuracy”.“Complicating the tactical decisions for the Newport-Bermuda Race is the extreme volatility of the Gulf Stream as it leaves Cape Hatteras,” she said. “Large eddies form unpredictably much like you’d see in a river breaking off each edge … getting it wrong could mean facing short-term adverse current, while a competitor sees positive current, resulting in a compound velocity differential.“This was clearly seen in leg seven of the Volvo Ocean Race.”Tidetech, technical supplier to the 34th Americas Cup and the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race, will provide two online pre-recorded briefings for the Newport-Bermuda Race, a short briefing of emerging trends one week before the race and a full detailed briefing the day before the start.Tidetech’s new data package for this race is a precursor to a broader product expansion for the northeast US region.The race, featuring four local entries, commences on June 15 in Newport, Rhode Island.