We went sailing in 40 knots to see what we could learn! | Yachting Monthly
Yachting Monthly・28 minutes read
Sail safely in heavy weather by preparing the boat, securing loose items, and setting up storm jib equipment for optimal performance and crew safety. Test equipment and practice heavy weather sailing techniques to ensure readiness and effectiveness in challenging conditions.
Insights
- Rigging a storm jib and conducting safety checks for equipment and lockers are essential steps in preparing for heavy weather sailing, emphasizing the importance of securing loose items and ensuring proper rigging for optimal performance and safety.
- Testing equipment in real conditions, such as communication devices and rigging setups, is crucial to assess their effectiveness in challenging situations, underlining the significance of practical experience in evaluating equipment and plans for adverse weather conditions.
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Recent questions
How should I prepare my boat for rough weather?
To prepare your boat for rough weather, ensure all loose items are secured, add clips and locks to prevent items from flying around, and make sure batteries and lockers are secure. Additionally, check for corrosion on storm jib equipment, rig the storm jib properly, and conduct safety checks on Man Overboard equipment, guard wires, jack stays, and cockpit lockers before heading into rough conditions. It's also important to secure the spray hood, check the life raft, and understand the risks associated with life raft placement on the boat.
What are the steps for rigging a storm jib?
Rigging a storm jib involves attaching the inner forestay, securing the sail with piston hanks, and rigging the sheets. Make sure the storm jib is set up independently of the furling genoa and adjust the sheeting angle after the cockpit for better sailing performance. Drop the Boom Out to one side and secure it to clear the way, then set up the sheet by passing it through the eye and down to the cockpit using Spinnaker blocks.
How can I maneuver my boat to avoid breaking waves?
To avoid being caught beam on by breaking waves, maneuver your boat by heaving to. Jibe the storm jib to the starboard side and adjust the main to slow down the boat. Utilize the storm jib to maintain speed and balance in strong winds, ensuring crew comfort and safety by wearing life jackets and using tethers.
What are some safety considerations for sailing in rough weather?
Safety considerations for sailing in rough weather include securing loose items, conducting safety checks on equipment, wearing life jackets, and using tethers. Ensure personal comfort with warm clothing, food, and communication despite challenging conditions. Having a third crew member can be beneficial for tasks and maintaining energy levels, while testing equipment in real conditions is crucial to ensure it works effectively in challenging situations.
How can I ensure clear communication on deck during rough weather?
To ensure clear communication on deck during rough weather, consider using command mics from various brands, including wireless options. Avoid touch screens that can be hindered by water and wet gloves, impacting functionality. Testing equipment in real conditions is crucial to ensure it works effectively in challenging situations, highlighting the importance of practical experience in assessing equipment and plans for adverse conditions.
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Summary
00:00
Preparing for Heavy Weather Sailing Techniques
- The individual has sailed for 20-30 years without encountering a severe storm, but today they are experiencing rough weather and have set up a storm jib.
- Despite the forecast of 40+ knots of wind, the individual is venturing out to test heavy weather sailing techniques.
- The boat has been well-prepared for rough conditions, with secure lockers, hatches, and battery lashings in place.
- Recommendations include securing loose items, adding clips and locks to prevent items from flying around, and ensuring batteries and lockers are secure.
- The boat is equipped with a removable inner forestay for setting up a storm jib independently of the furling genoa.
- Detailed steps are provided for rigging the storm jib, including attaching the inner forestay, securing the sail with piston hanks, and rigging the sheets.
- The importance of checking storm jib equipment for corrosion and ensuring proper rigging of sheets and cars on the boat is emphasized.
- Safety checks for Man Overboard equipment, guard wires, jack stays, and cockpit lockers are recommended before heading into rough weather.
- Recommendations include securing the spray hood, checking the life raft, and understanding the risks associated with life raft placement on the boat.
- Details on setting up a tri-sail rig are provided, including securing the mainsail, adjusting sliders, and controlling the height for optimal sheeting position.
14:54
"Optimizing sailing performance on Contessa 32"
- Adjust the sheeting angle after the cockpit for better sailing performance.
- Drop the Boom Out to one side and secure it to clear the way.
- Set up the sheet by passing it through the eye and down to the cockpit using Spinnaker blocks.
- Sailing on a Contessa 32 with a rich history, including participation in the 1979 Fastnet race.
- Maneuver the boat to avoid being caught beam on by breaking waves.
- Heave to by jibing the storm jib to starboard side and adjusting the main to slow down the boat.
- Utilize the storm jib to maintain speed and balance in strong winds.
- Crew comfort and safety are crucial, including wearing life jackets and using tethers.
- Having a third crew member is beneficial for tasks and maintaining energy levels.
- Ensure personal comfort with warm clothing, food, and communication despite challenging conditions.
31:30
Testing Command Mics in Real Conditions
- Command mics from various brands are available, including wireless options, allowing for clear communication on deck. Touch screens, such as on phones and chart plotters, can be hindered by water and wet gloves, impacting functionality. Testing equipment in real conditions is crucial to ensure it works effectively in challenging situations, highlighting the importance of practical experience in assessing equipment and plans for adverse conditions.
