Hove-to (heave to)

Introducción.

In gale conditions, with winds over 30 knots and heavy seas or higher, gaining windward is very difficult, the situation becomes dangerous and can be exhausting for the crew. “Hove-to” or ‘heave-to’ is a technique for weathering the gale that provides safety, prevents the boat from going into the sea and being hit hard by a breaking wave, thus reducing the risk of capsizing the boat. This technique has proven its effectiveness, in well-prepared boats with good seafaring qualities, on numerous occasions of storms at sea and in ocean races.

In the second chapter of the book “on-line” HEAVY WEATHER SAILING” we saw the Storm Strategies, which are “head-on weathering the Storm” and “Running the Storm”. Within the strategy of weathering the storm, in this new chapter we will deal with the technique of “hove-to”, and we will explain how to perform it in seven (7) simple steps, as well as the importance of reaching the position of balance in this maneuver.

Although “hove to” is not the only technique for weathering a storm, I want to emphasize that every offshore sailboat should be well equipped and crewed for this maneuver.

Hove to (heave-to). Definition.

Hove-to” or ‘heave-to’ on a sailboat is to adjust the sails so that the effect of the wind on the headsail generates a force that causes the boat to tend to drop to one side, while on the mainsail (and/or mizzen on a ketch) a force is generated that causes the boat to tend to drop to the opposite side.

The compensation of these forces, together with the rudder trim, allows the boat to reach a balanced position, with the wind on the tack, with virtually no forward speed and with the boat swinging down to leeward at low speed.

This lowering of the boat produces a windward backwater that significantly reduces the effect of the waves, increases safety on deck, and limits the risk of the boat going into the sea and being hit by breaking waves that can capsize the boat.

The hove to / heave to maneuver, although a storm technique, can also be used in good weather, in order to stop the boat at sea to rest, to repair a breakdown or to wait for any reason. This maneuver in good weather is also called “fronting”. In this case, of course, it is not necessary to use a storm sail.