Heavy Weather Sailing - Vancouver Boat Show 2016 WWW.SIMPLYSAILING.CA Christof Marti [email protected]+1 (604) 440-2864 Heavy Weather Sailing How to be prepared Vancouver International Boat Show - 2016 1 Monday, January 25, 16 Introduction: Who has been in heavy weather? What did you experience?
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3Monday, January 25, 16What is heavy weather? When we talk about heavy weather we primarily think of wind. However, what is really dangerous to the boat is not the wind but big waves, especially breaking waves. This presentation is about how to manage heavy wind before and during storm.It is subjective: For some 20 kts can be intimidating for others the fun starts at 30 kts.In the same vein: It’s crew & boat dependent: A light boat will handle heavy weather differently than a heavy offshore cruiser. Experience of crew. Short handed vs fully crewed.This presentation is not about survival tactics in hurricane force winds, but about what can we do to be prepared for gale & storm force winds and what to do should you get into a heavy gale or a storm.
• Wind & sea state• Subjective• Boat & crew dependent• Are you prepared?
3Monday, January 25, 16What is heavy weather? When we talk about heavy weather we primarily think of wind. However, what is really dangerous to the boat is not the wind but big waves, especially breaking waves. This presentation is about how to manage heavy wind before and during storm.It is subjective: For some 20 kts can be intimidating for others the fun starts at 30 kts.In the same vein: It’s crew & boat dependent: A light boat will handle heavy weather differently than a heavy offshore cruiser. Experience of crew. Short handed vs fully crewed.This presentation is not about survival tactics in hurricane force winds, but about what can we do to be prepared for gale & storm force winds and what to do should you get into a heavy gale or a storm.
4Monday, January 25, 16Breaking seas:Light boat ~ a wave approx 30% of the boat length can capsize a boat: 40’ boat: 12’ waveHeavy cruiser ~ a wave approx 60% of the boat length can capsize a boat: 40’ boat: 24’ waveIn other words, a wave about 2 x the beam.
15Monday, January 25, 16Considerations with roller furling: As wind increase - furl sail- shape- load where it’s not supposed to be- If sail is too big: furl in fully or if need to change: unfurl when least desirable- chafe at furler!
16Monday, January 25, 16Special sails:Color, heavy clothJib - easy to sheet (hight clew)Benefit if high clew: water goes underneath & visibilityLeachline: adjust at tackTrysail: sheeted to deck, not boom, separate trackLeach line adjust at tackImportant: Try this sails out before you actually need them
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
17Monday, January 25, 16Write it down - so you don’t forgetWhat would you do? Then show “the obvious”Dinghy: Have you recovered a swamped dinghy in 30 kts of wind?What happens to the bimini in 40+ kts of wind?
• crew• adjust watch schedule• navigation• big eyes• chafe• address issues early
18Monday, January 25, 16- Look after your crew: Save, clipped in, they might be worried- Don’t forget to navigate: In shore to avoid danger (lee shore, reefs), perhaps save harbour although at times it will be better to stay away from landfall. Offshore those hazards are less important. Sail away from more heavy weather, ocean currents?- keep an eye on potential issues. Something you forgot to store away, trip hazard on boat (lines), again your crew. Don’t forget the outside world. Wind increasing? Waves? - Especially: Sheets, guys, preventer etc can chafe through in a matter of hours if not properly lead.