Heavy Weather and Tactics 27 Feb 2010 Paul H. Miller, D.Eng. P.E. Professor of Naval Architecture United States Naval Academy

2 Seaworthiness “To be seaworthy, the vessel must be able to defend itself against the incursion and perils of the sea…” From “Seaworthiness: The Forgotten Factor” by C.A. Marchaj

3 Seaworthiness “To be seaworthy, the vessel must be able to defend itself against the incursion and perils of the sea…” From “Seaworthiness: The Forgotten Factor” by C.A. Marchaj

How Big is Your Boat? 4

Plan and Prepare Recognize the issues 1. Wind – p=v 2 ! 2. Waves duration and fetch (h1/3) 3. Crew inexperience 4. Crew fatigue 5. Panic! 5

Plan and Prepare Anticipate problems 1. Man Overboard! 2. Crashing waves 3. Rolling – think inverted 4. Damage control 6

7 Preparing the boat before you go! Watertight Integrity 1. Hatches/boards 2. Port lights (storm shutters) 3. Vents/Dorades 4. Through hulls 5. Mast 6. Rudder shaft 7. Control lines 8. Prop shaft 9. Locker covers Hint: Give your boat a good shower! Watertight is good, airtight is not!

Preparing the crew and boat 1. Foulies 2. Hooking on – night, reefed, water temp <60 Hooking on – night, reefed, water temp <60 Hooking on – night, reefed, water temp <60 3. Lifejackets, whitecaps 4. Communications 5. PEPIRB 1. Review procedures for MOB 2. Stowage – think inverted! Batteries & Sails 3. Food – cooking, thermos 4. Jackstays 5. Visibility 8

Evaluate Your Goals Racing Cruising 9

10 Evaluate: Are you pushing the boat too hard Things to consider: 1. Risk vs reward 2. When to reef? 3. Cruising – think upwind (MOB) 4. Racing – your limits and recoverability

Are you ready for a MOB? Are you ready for a MOB? 11

Strategies 1. Changing jibs 2. Reefing 3. Storm sails Storm sails Storm sails 4. Heave to 5. Sea anchor 6. Ahull 7. Drouges 12

13 “To finish first, first you have to finish.” When to get off The keel is still there, but the mast is not!

14 Self Reliance Issues Think of those who may need to come get you!

15 A boat, although a good design, is only as seaworthy as the condition it is in and the skill of the crew that sails it! Case Study: 1998 Singlehanded Farallones

16 A boat, although a good design, is only as seaworthy as the condition it is in and the skill of the crew that sails it! 1998 Singlehanded Farallones 1998 Singlehanded Farallones

17 From US SAILING: Equipment Guides Safety Recommendations for Offshore Sailing or Safety Recommendations for Cruising Sailboats And, “Safety From Capsizing; Final Report”

18 “The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat” John Vigor “Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics of Offshore Yachts” by the CCA

Practice – A Case Study 1. Reefing all the way in all conditions 2. Trysail 3. Storm sails 4. While in foulies and hooked on! 19

20 Prepare, practice and perform! Build you Google: Paul Miller USNA