The marine layer clouds clearing in this area sets the stage for strong winds from Waddell to Natural Bridges.

by Mike Godsey, mikeATiwindsurf.com

Those of you who make the drive to Waddell and points south are well acquainted with Año Nuevo clearing and the racing of your heart as you finally round a fog shrouded curve and see impossibly blue skies near Año Nuevo. But for Bay sailors the frequent comment about Año Nuevo clearing in the forecast may seem cryptic. So I made this animation so you can see what it looks like. The reason Año Nuevo clearing is so important to Santa Cruz area winds is complex and one day I will  do a blog on super critical flow and the magic of Waddell’s complex wind machine. Meanwhile try to figure out why Bodega which has even better access to NW wind than  Waddell has winds that blow hard in the spring and early summer but scant summer time winds compared to Waddell.

And even if you do not ply the coast waters early Año Nuevo clearing is a good sign for Crissy, Coyote & 3rd. since it typically is a harbinger of clearing at those sites.