Case studies from some famous (and not so famous) storms! 28 Feb 2010 Paul H. Miller, D.Eng. P.E. Professor of Naval Architecture United States Naval Academy
Fastnets 1. Waves are worse than wind 2. Inadequate design, construction and maintenance 3. Form stability 4. Liferaft design 5. Storm sails 2
3 Round The World Races 1. Form Stability (upside down) 2. Rig strength 3. Auto-pilot control 4. Rescue range
4 Sydney-Hobarts 1. Weatherliness 2. Minimum Construction Standards (design OK) 3. Maintenance and repair 4. Helo range 5. Race mgt 6. Weather forecasts
5 Single and Double- handed Farallones 1.Immediacy of conditions 2.Bigger is not always better 3.Rapidly changing conditions 4.Assess route 5.Crew skill 6.Risk assessment 7.Maintenance
Eastport YC Beer Can Race 6 Winds ~6 kts, ~80 deg Doublehanded TS warning TS cell seen approaching PFDs on Jib and mizzen dropped, main reefed Other boats dropped sails, used OB, headed in Hove-to through knot breeze Resumed race & won! Noticed grounded boats on the way in.
7 "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana