Multihull storm tactics?

[smm]

Originally Posted by sneuman

One cannot - repeat cannot - expect a weather forecast to substitute for an inadequate boat.

Hmm.... Well given that my post started with some discussion of drag devices, I didn't expect people to come away with the impression that I was recommending that one put to sea in an egg shell with a weather fax. Having read a lot of storm survival reports (in the interest of not writing one of my own) I find that "ignoring the weather" is far and away to top reason for geting caught.

With respect to your emphatic "cannot repeat cannot.." I think you are grasping for an absolute that simply doesn't exist. People sail in all sorts of boats and manage the risks involved as best they can. There are many cruising boats which basically cannot sail to weather against a brisk 25-knot tradewind, either because of excessive leeway/windage or leakage. Inadequate? Well that depends on what you try and do. And, some of those "inadequate" boats might be safely tucked inside a lagoon enjoying flat water and a bomb proof 10x1 scope while a "more seaworthy" boat with a deep keel is stuck outside, boxing the wind.

The ocean can create circumstances under which any boat is "inadequate." Watching the weather is a good way of avoiding many of them.

Second the recommendation for Gavin's book.

-Scott

[Jimske]

Originally Posted by cat man do

I can highly recomend using parachute anchor of the bow as we did sailing from Brisbane to New Caledonia on my last cat, a 10m simpson ground effect. After putting this out it was like being tied to a marina berth for the night. These are available from Para Anchors Australia. Also check out a book called "multihull seamanship illustrated" by Gavin Lesuer , he's done plenty of miles and knows what he's taking about

Dave

I searched Amazon and din't come up with the book??

Jim

[Talbot]

I think we sometimes lose sight of the fact that in the days before steam, people were sailing all over the world in ships that had little ability to make a lot of progress to windward.

[cat man do]

Jim I just put in multihull seamanship illustrated into google and it was about number 3 on list

Have fun

Dave

[sneuman]

Originally Posted by smm

Hmm.... Well given that my post started with some discussion of drag devices, I didn't expect people to come away with the impression that I was recommending that one put to sea in an egg shell with a weather fax. Having read a lot of storm survival reports (in the interest of not writing one of my own) I find that "ignoring the weather" is far and away to top reason for geting caught.

With respect to your emphatic "cannot repeat cannot.." I think you are grasping for an absolute that simply doesn't exist. People sail in all sorts of boats and manage the risks involved as best they can. There are many cruising boats which basically cannot sail to weather against a brisk 25-knot tradewind, either because of excessive leeway/windage or leakage. Inadequate? Well that depends on what you try and do. And, some of those "inadequate" boats might be safely tucked inside a lagoon enjoying flat water and a bomb proof 10x1 scope while a "more seaworthy" boat with a deep keel is stuck outside, boxing the wind.

The ocean can create circumstances under which any boat is "inadequate." Watching the weather is a good way of avoiding many of them.

Second the recommendation for Gavin's book.

-Scott

Scott - I have had the experience of doing everything reasonable to plan a proper weather window and then being caught in something unexpected (and big). I just don't buy the "I can outrun/outpredict weather" thing. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't.

[smm]

Gavin Lesueur's web site:

http://www.multihullbooks.com/

Gavin and Catherine are based in Cairns and sail the catamaran "Chaotic Harmony."

I came across a very informative article on parachute anchors used on trimarans. http://www.sea-anchors.com/multihulls.htm
Clearly the author has more foul weather experience on trimarans than most of us. He makes some very good points, and provides a very detailed descroption on how to rig and deploy them. I have to say, after reading this article, I am rethinking the idea of a parachute on my tri.

[Tropic Cat]

I was at the Seven Seas Cruising Association gathering this weekend. One of the better presentations was given by a lady who's written a few books. Beth Leonard. Her presentation on "Heavy Weather Sailing" was both professional and convincing. She advocates parachute anchors for monos and series drogue for catamarans.

During questions and answers, a fella who sails a Privilege 39 stood and explained a home made drogue which was both simple, variable/adjustable, and effective.

All in all, it was a good meeting

Rick in Florida

[cat man do]

Heres a link to the parachute anchor I used. Heaps of info.

http:www.paraanchors.com.au/

[Talbot]

Best source of data is the drag device data base

[northerncat]

there is such an easy(as in the cat that im building) solution to this and that is to use the superior speed of a cat to get away from the weather fly a little more sail and 20+ knots your away from the scary zone
sean

[northerncat]

[Talbot]

I suggest that you re-visit the meteorologists about the speed that a depression can move. Your 20 kts may not be enough, or you may be blocked by land mass or reefs and then you are in deep poo!

[cat man do]

But not as much poo as a boat that can't go faster than 10 knots

I don't think they like fast cruiser up north Sean

Dave

[fhrussell]

Sure there are systems that move faster than 20 knots, but if you are aware of its location and direction, a fast cat can get out of its path with some forthought and planning....as opposed to actually "outrunning" the LP system.