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From: Baumgart, James (no email)
Date: Wed Jun 23 2004 - 16:16:25 EDT
The jury is out on sea anchors, however, I don't have one and never will.
You may want to read Bernard Moitessier's Cape Horn, the Logical Route.
There is quite a bit in there about storm conditions. I think your choices
would be : heave to, and when conditions get too bad for that, run off down
wind. If you feel you have to slow the boat down, drag warps (lines).
However, this will let overtaking waves batter your stern - your rudder
better be strong. Moitessier cut his warps away and let the boat move FAST
with the waves and feels this tactic saved him and his wife. He describes
in great detail how to steer when trying this. You have got to keep from
broaching at any cost.
A sea anchor puts horrible, unimaginable, stress on your bow.
The best thing to do is all the pre cruise planning you can to avoid
survival storm conditions. If you get caught, heave too or run off. If the
boat gets damaged, fix it. Try to rest, eat, and maintain (most storms
don't last more than 3 days). If that is impossible, consider activating
the EPIRB. Never leave a boat that is still floating.
A storm jib and a storm trysail (for the main) would be a better investment
than a sea anchor, in my opinion. Roller furling sails will not do.
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