When Things Get Rough ...

[eliems]

This article really has a lot of good information, I am keeping this one to review from time to time. (Newbie)

http://www.gosailing.info/Sailing%20in%20Heavy%20Weather.htm

I have yet to get caught in a storm and do not intend to sail into one on purpose but it could happen.

[rebel heart]

Most storms aren't so bad. Even up to around ~45 knots as long as you're reefed and balanced it's really not that uncomfortable. The waves and point of sail make a huge difference. And being hove-to versus a wind vane versus hand steering will all yield quite difference experiences.

[Printbr]

Assuming your in a substantial boat? I wouldn't want to be in 45 knots of wind in my centerboard water ballast 23 footer.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Printbr

Assuming your in a substantial boat? I wouldn't want to be in 45 knots of wind in my centerboard water ballast 23 footer.

I wouldn't want to be in 20 knots in my Walker Bay 8. Well, maybe I would. If I had a wetsuit on and could swim to shore if/when it flips.

[David M]

Depends on the boat and skippy's experience.

[over40pirate]

Learning how to heave to, in your boat is a safety procedure, every cruising sailor should get familiar with.
In 7 years, of full time cruising, I've hove to, quite a few times.
I got caught in a squall one time, and hove to, then went below to make some lunch!

[ozskipper]

Was it Tristan Jones that had the "cork theory"? Or Slocum? It was one of those guys.

The theory- although somewhat tongue in cheek- goes something like this.

Remove the sails, lash the helm, go below and lock the companionway. This allows the boat to act like a cork. Then find the gin, remove the Cork, and start sipping.

[Heikki]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I wouldn't want to be in 20 knots in my Walker Bay 8. Well, maybe I would. If I had a wetsuit on and could swim to shore if/when it flips.

Yep, WB 8 is too small for that - you should upgrade to WB 10! I used to have a one. Six years ago I purposely tested it in lake when wind was blowing 30-34knots - just for heck of it. It did it, not well, but it did it. A lot of water in, but I managed not to capsize. Being on sheltered waters waves were not an issue. Would not dear to try that on sea or further away from hard land.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

Was it Tristan Jones that had the "cork theory"? Or Slocum? It was one of those guys.

The theory- although somewhat tongue in cheek- goes something like this.

Remove the sails, lash the helm, go below and lock the companionway. This allows the boat to act like a cork. Then find the gin, remove the Cork, and start sipping.

It Works for me.....

[msponer]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

Remove the sails, lash the helm, go below and lock the companionway. This allows the boat to act like a cork. Then find the gin, remove the Cork, and start sipping.

Well, if you read books from that era, the people who did that tended to be fine until they were hit by a breaking wave. Then they were rolled.

Some even wrote vivid descriptions of hearing the wave approaching.

So I, personally, think there are better ways.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by msponer

Well, if you read books from that era, the people who did that tended to be fine until they were hit by a breaking wave. Then they were rolled.

Some even wrote vivid descriptions of hearing the wave approaching.

So I, personally, think there are better ways.

Have not been rolled yet... but there's a 1st time for everything...
Like my 1st knockdown...
Just before I laid a-hull...
Will confess the waves sound scarey... but so far bouyancy/stability have been positive..
Lived to write another day...
Disclaimer; Not a recommendation for others to try this...
Side effects can cause damage to vessel, soiled trousers, broken bones, hypothermia, excessive damp and occasionally leads to death.... in extreme conditions.. Divorce...

[Geoduck]

I was on Lake Meade in Nevada a few years ago in my Nimble 20 blowing down wind back to the marina in 35 to 50knts! Got back before it really kicked up - 60knts +! Now that was one hell of a sail, let me tell you! The little Nimble is amazing! I had a bawl! Going to wind is another story - pounds like a bitch!
I like submarines the best in bad weather.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Heikki

Yep, WB 8 is too small for that - you should upgrade to WB 10! I used to have a one. Six years ago I purposely tested it in lake when wind was blowing 30-34knots - just for heck of it. It did it, not well, but it did it. A lot of water in, but I managed not to capsize. Being on sheltered waters waves were not an issue. Would not dear to try that on sea or further away from hard land.

I've seen guys out in Lasers in conditions like that. Shipping water doesn't matter because of the minimal cockpit area. Check this video out, this stuff makes me love dinghy sailing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50nJ8UkOGwg

[barnakiel]

A moving boat with have a momentum and when hit by a wave, it takes more energy to toss her.

A moving boat can be positioned at an angle to the oncoming waves.

A bobbing boat will have less momentum and so will be (more) at the mercy of the sea.

A bobbing boat is more likely to get caught sideways to the waves.

Now I am not religious and I do not buy the mercy thing, hence I will keep on moving as long as possible.

Keep on sailing and you may avoid an unnecessary knock-down.

b.

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by msponer

Well, if you read books from that era, the people who did that tended to be fine until they were hit by a breaking wave. Then they were rolled.

Some even wrote vivid descriptions of hearing the wave approaching.

So I, personally, think there are better ways.

Perhaps I needed to add a tongue in cheek smiley face