Storms are known to be unpredictable, and sailing through them is an endurance test. Besides dealing with the sudden change in wind direction, you also have to deal with fatigue and big waves. Having the best driver on the helm is important during these types of storms. Experienced sailors are known to be very good at handling heavy air steering. They’re also more likely to see “survival” weather, which means they’ll be able to react faster to variable conditions.
To minimize the risk of a wave washing across the deck, keep the boat in relatively smooth water. A cubic foot of water can weigh around 64 pounds, so a wave can carry hundreds of pounds of water. It is of utmost importance to avoid this happening while in stormy conditions.
When a storm is approaching, make sure that the storm jib is set just forward of the mast. This will allow the sail plan to move closer to the boat’s center of lateral resistance.
Before a storm, the first decision that most people make is whether to run for cover or head out to sea. Storms rarely appear as they do in modern forecasting, but as you travel further offshore, the chances of getting caught out increase.
Although it’s usually the preferred option, running for cover can be very dangerous. Being caught in a storm close to shore can prevent you from moving away from the wind and from the powerful storm. Two storm strategies are: avoid getting blown away from the shore and sail away from the storm’s path.
With sails, you can easily control your boat in the waves. One strategy that’s usually used is to run before the storm and try to slow the boat down by towing a drogue. This method requires a lot of sea room, and it can be very dangerous if you’re not actively steering.
Although heaving-to is an effective strategy during heavy weather, some boats can still fare better than others. One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to using this strategy is deploying a sea anchor. This type of parachute is attached to the end of a line and can help keep the boat up in the waves.
As the captain of your boat, you have to make the best of the situation by providing support to your crew and offering a helping hand to those who need it. Although it’s been a rough time for everyone, take the time to reflect on the natural forces that have affected the area.
Storms are known to be unpredictable and can cause severe discomfort and fatigue. Although they may not be pleasant, they can also be memorable.