Introduction.

In the first chapter of the series “Handling heavy weather” we saw the importance of reducing the sail area progressively, as the wind increases, until a storm situation is reached. However, when it comes to dealing with a storm with a sailboat, there is a great diversity of opinions on what is the most effective technique, and even the terminology used is often unclear.

In this second chapter we will look at some general factors or considerations for planning for a storm, and we will clarify the terminology of the two possible strategies to follow, which are “wind´s up the storm” or “running ogg the storm”. We will briefly describe the different techniques, framed in these two strategies, which will be detailed in future chapters of this on-line book.

Planning factors in the event of a storm.

The effects of a storm on a sailboat can be devastating if we are not well prepared. The first great experience in this regard was the well-known FASNET regatta in 1979, where more than 300 sailboats set sail, and due to the heavy storm, more than 70 capsized, more than 20 were abandoned, and only 25 were able to make it under their own power (most of them thanks to having decided to adopt the strategy of “wind´s up heave to the storm”).

Today, moreover, we have a large number of experiences of using sea anchors and towed drag devices in storm situations, and many are documented in Victor Shane’s “Drag Device Data Base”, which you can find at this web link: DDDB.

When we talk about gale, always keep in mind that the most important factor is the sea (the sea state is more important than the wind) and the height of the waves. The forces that a breaking wave can develop are enormous; and a breaking wave can accelerate to a speed of 20 knots (as opposed to the normal 6 -7 knots), and can dump several tons of water on the deck of a sailboat. A breaking wave of sufficient size when it hits a ship at sea carries an imminent risk of capsize, and serious damage to the mast, rigging, and crew.

There are many considerations that the skipper has to evaluate when facing a storm forecast, and his main decision will be the strategy to follow, which as I have already mentioned can be “wind´s up the storm” or “running off the storm”. Within these two possible strategies there are different techniques and devices to use (sea anchor, droge device, etc.) that we will show you later; but first we will see some general planning considerations that are also important: