Drogues and Sea Anchors for a 1990 Beneteau Moorings 50 Sloop

[Open Ranger]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for guidance on selecting the right drogue and sea anchor for heavy weather. I sail a 1990 Beneteau Yachts Moorings 50 Sloop. I’ve found a lot of conflicting information online and I’d appreciate advice from those with more experience.

• Are there specific brands or models you’ve used and found effective?
• Any recommendations on what works best for a boat like mine?
• I’m particularly interested in real-world experiences with durability, ease of use, and performance in heavy conditions.

Thank you!

[wrwakefield]

In case you are not familiar with Victoria Shane’s drag device database [still pertinent as a starting point…]

As for choices, I have changed approaches over the years with 3 different vessels [all in Pacific Ocean] about the size of yours, but heavier displacement.

For decades I carried a 24 ft Paratec sea anchor [parachute] for bow deployment. I still have a new, undeployed unit, but no longer require it due to my change in drogue choice and tactics. [Read on.]

I have had and used a couple of different cone shaped drogues over time too, but changed over to a much more manageable and forgiving Jordan Series Drogue… and thankfully haven’t had to deploy it in anger… yet…

These are my choices and may not fit your needs… so FWIW…

Cheers, Bill