A Hypothetical

[Warren Kaplan]

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27



Setsail728@aol.com

[Dennis Robinett]

First of all some background. I have owned six boats and sailed for 25 years. I own a Cape Dory 36 now and owned a CD30 for 15 years. I have delivered boats and crewed to Bermuda and Tortola. I have seen what Hurricane Gloria did in Noank, Ct when my 30 was 4 months old. Secondly I would definitely remove sails, canvas, etc if I had a boat at the dock or mooring during a big blow. That being said I would never remove the sails when aboard the boat during a blow. I would lash the roller furling sail to keep it from unfurling and make sure the mainsail was lashed down with additional lines. I would make sure I could get underway with a Trysail for a main and reefed staysail at a moments notice and of course use the engine. In most instances, however the engine will only help take the load off the ground tackle. I have been in the Gulf stream during storms coming from Bermuda on a Tartan 37 and it took two of us a good hour to get a trysail out of the bag at the base of the mast and up the track during a blow. I was amazed how difficult it was even when everything is there and you are prepared. A very good source of information can be found in Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook copyright 2001 on the thinking you are going through like this. Quote at the start of the book "He who goes to sea for pleasure would go to hell to pass the time" --anonymous.

Dennis Robinett
CD36 Nepenthe



CDSailor@aol.com

[Joe Sankey]

Warren, the scenario you describe is common around here during hurricane season, except we are moving away from docks to hurricane holes. Marinas won't allow you to stay, in most cases. Plus, the boats are generally better off at anchor somewhere (anywhere). Fortunately, most hurricanes miss, but we often get the kind of storms you're describing in the near misses. While it may be preferable (I think it is) to remove sails completely, we typically tie down everything carefully. That is, using 1/4-1/2" line, wrap all sail covers and bags at 6-10" intervals (tightly). Get loose objects off, take several extra wraps on the furling headsail. I've not had a problem in 20 years, including a couple that included hurricane force winds. Biminis get folded and tied, etc. Sometimes there is damage to a boat, but usually not. So, my answer would be that making sure everything is tied down is potentially as good and perhaps safer than trying to remove large sails and get them inside the boat in high winds. Hope your dream doesn't come true, in this case.
Joe Sankey
CD 30 Slow Dance

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

sankey@gulftel.com

[Larry DeMers]

Hi Warren,
Good Question!
Well, now if this were in real life, we have to assume that you are not alone in that 'Hurricane Hole', as other sailors have probably been caught looking for a place to hole up too. If that is true indeed, then it is extremely unlikely that you would ever sail out of this anchorage during the storm, due to the mass of lines and anchor rodes traveling all over the bay or anchorage. Don't forget that you will also be tying off on shore too if possible. The criss-crossing of lines ashore will make even dinghy travel tough.
So that seems to rule out considering using the main and staysail..or certainly the genoa. Now the furled genoa represents an awful lot of resistance to the wind, which is translated into heeling induced sailing at anchor, which does result in rode chafing and can lead to anchor breakout.
The trick is to make your hull as small a target for the wind as possible. Contrary to expressed opinion in this thread, you should then remove the genoa entirely from the forestay, remove the radar reflector, remove the main, get the deck as clean as you can. If you wish to have the ability to raise sail as a last resort to the boat going aground, then have the trisail securely fastened to the mast, already in it's track and ready to raise (and have previous experience raising and using it!!). Have the storm jib bagged and in place, hanked on the stay and ready to hoist. But keep it as low to the deck as possible.

Put your effort into placing your anchors and shore lines where they need to be for best protection from the expected winds and it's 180 degree shift that will follow (we have that danger here on Superior also..with T Storms), selecting your spot clear of boats likely to drag due to the sails left on the rig, and with inadequate ground tackle.
Hoist a riding sail on the backstay. and rig it bar tight! -with the sheet going to the mast base. This sail will keep your bow from sailing more than about 5 deg. off wind, and that means the pull on the anchor is constant, not oscillating up and down..which causes dragging and sailing at anchor. It Works! We use it each and every time we anchor..and I have photos that I can send you if you are curious as to how it looks rigged.

Logicly, if the desire is to leave the sails on the furler because you want to be capable of sailing off an anchorage or an approaching lee shore should it become necessary, then you better have knowledge of how the boat performs in 75 knot and higher winds, right?
I have experience with several forays into 55-60 kts, trying to beat into this wind to get home. You will need an extremely deep reef first of all. Secondly, you will still be heeling in the 50 degree range, and flying..literally, probably giving a good deal of way in the process, since your keel is only a couple feet deep due to the heeling, and the angle the keel now makes. Lord help any boat in the way..as you will be under very little control until way is established.

The genoa or yankee even, is of course, worthless entirely in this situation..it is simply too large, too lightly constructed and too full a sail to even think of unwrapping (after it has been wrapped to keep the wind from grabbing it). You would not have time to do this anyway. So that sail is best removed.

The main sail is too large unless you have a third reef (we now do)so you will have to use a tri-sail. Take the main off..it is additional windage induced heeling. I would even remove my radar and pole in these conditions..the dinghy would be gone from the deck..even the spinnaker bag on the forward port lifeline would be taken below, and the aft boom end lowered to the cockpit floor and secured to the steering pedestal.

So a long answer to your thought-provoking question. In summary..there is no reason to leave the sails up as they are useless in these winds and will actually worsen your situation due to increased windage induced heeling.

Concentrate on rigging your anchors..use the two anchors on a single rode idea..one about 50 ft. ahead of the other, or two sets of this scheme set out at 60 degrees..or if the wind is likey to back and reverse on you..set at 180 degrees apart with the vessel in the center. Know where the ships bible is..;^)!

Cheers,

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 Sailing Lake Superior

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

demers@sgi.com

[Richard HIll]

I took everything (everything!) off the deck for Hurricane Frederick in a well protected hurricane hole, put out 2 anchors and came through fine. I knew some other guys who stayed on their boats and survived but vowed never again! I've seen furled jibs ripped loose and shredded, boats destroyed (one CD 25 was just a flat sheet of fiberglass after that storm - they stayed in the marina; it was wiped out). I recommend even taking down the boom and stowing it in the cabin. Take off anything you aren't willing to lose, and get the hell off the boat. Hurricanes are no place for small boats - they're my business.



captrahill@comcast.net

[Andy Denmark]

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

Hi Warren,

The scenario that you hypothesize is a reality here. Oriental is almost at the bullseye (sorry Larry) of the many Atlantic Coast hurricanes. The water directly in front of my house is a favorite hurricane hole for sometimes fifteen or twenty boats anchored out for the storms. My house becomes "hurricane central" for a number of these boatowners through the duration of these storms as I have emergency generator (gives us TV, refrigeration,lights,and ham radio communications)and the highest spot around to park vehicles. It's a sight with people sleeping on the living room floor, foul weather gear everywhere and a variety of appropriate chow. We have a powerboat in the water (self-bailing with plenty of h.p.) in case of moored-out emergencies, and plenty of experienced manpower immediately available.

Here are the guidelines we use. Anchor out with the two heaviest anchors you have with anchors perpndicular to the path of the wind. You want the boat to be roughly centered between the anchors with the rodes at roughly 45* to the boat and from the bow only (important -- no stern anchors). Usually the strongest winds are polar opposites; ours usually are SW to NE or the opposite depending where the eye is going to pass. You don't want to be close to anything harder than water -- stay out away from shore, piers, pilings, other boats. Factor in where your boat will be lying when the wind reverses. Take off everything from above-decks, including the roller furling headsails, bimini, dodger, winch covers. Tie off all halyards, topping lifts, etc. Put canvas chafing gear on your anchor rodes at the chocks. Lash tiller or wheel dead ahead. Take off dorades and put in the plugs. I leave the boat unlocked with Master switch turned to both, raw water intake valve open, key in the switch, lockers unlocked with other anchors/rodes on top, anchor light rigged or left on (for easy spotting at night).

We keep at least one person awake and watching the boats on a rotating schedule, usually an hour at a time around the clock. This enables us to spot a dragging anchor, chafed thru rode, weather change, etc. right away and take appropriate action.

Regarding sailing in these conditions-- don't even try. Anything you put up will be destroyed in a few moments and you will have absolutely no control except dead downwind until the sail disintegrates.This has disaster written all over it. Over about 80 mph winds one cannot stand up on shore much less aboard a boat in heavy waves, verbal communications ceases to exist except by yelling directly into someone's ear, and fear and apprehension renders a lot of folks useless.

I have ridden out two hurricanes aboard, Gloria in 1985 (155 mph recorded wind speed, and Gordon in 1984 (110 mph recorded) both times with boat appropriatey anchored. Except for the noise it was an interesting experience. Even cooked aboard (on the gimballed one-burner stove) and went out (with harness, of course)every couple of hours to check rodes.

Perhaps this sheds some light on your hypothetical. It's probably overkill but I have yet to have a boat damaged since I moved here in 1972. Others have not been as lucky.

Andy Denmark
CD-27 "Rhiannon"
Oriental, NC





trekker@coastalnet.com

[Warren Kaplan]

Thanks everyone for the input. I don't want to appear ungracious, but I hope the opportunity to try out some of your suggestions is indefinitely postponed! I guess you can only do so much and then alot depends on if old Neptune has taken a shine to you and if the bloak who pulls into the hurricane hole after you and sets his anchors 250 yards upwind of you knows what he's doing. That's the time to hang every big fender you have! At least I'll get some sleep tonight.
Thanks again!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166



Setsail728@aol.com

[Larry DeMers]

Hi Andy,

It seems you have been providing a really needed, welcome and thoughtful service to sailors for a long time! This exemplifies what is so great about sailors, and my hat is off to you and the comfort you try to provide some very concerned souls..when all hell breaks loose.

Glad to hear that although Oriental is in the eye more times than you wish, you have found the right combination of location, luck, skill and thought to survive 2 hurricanes so far. While this aspect does concern this northern sailor contemplating a move to that area for retirement in the next few years, reality and tradeoffs have to be considered too. reality is that every area has some downsides..and as long as the up side is worthwhile, I would be willing to adjust to the downside, and adapt to it's ways..much as you have done. That is kinda what sailing is about actually. It's not always gorgeous sunrises, and broadreaches as we all have found out. As in all of sailing, the art of compromise is a worthwhile talent to claim.

Hope your spring is a dandy!

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~beginning to plan for the trips north to the boat~~

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

Hi Warren,

The scenario that you hypothesize is a reality here. Oriental is almost at the bullseye (sorry Larry) of the many Atlantic Coast hurricanes. The water directly in front of my house is a favorite hurricane hole for sometimes fifteen or twenty boats anchored out for the storms. My house becomes "hurricane central" for a number of these boatowners through the duration of these storms as I have emergency generator (gives us TV, refrigeration,lights,and ham radio communications)and the highest spot around to park vehicles. It's a sight with people sleeping on the living room floor, foul weather gear everywhere and a variety of appropriate chow. We have a powerboat in the water (self-bailing with plenty of h.p.) in case of moored-out emergencies, and plenty of experienced manpower immediately available.

Here are the guidelines we use. Anchor out with the two heaviest anchors you have with anchors perpndicular to the path of the wind. You want the boat to be roughly centered between the anchors with the rodes at roughly 45* to the boat and from the bow only (important -- no stern anchors). Usually the strongest winds are polar opposites; ours usually are SW to NE or the opposite depending where the eye is going to pass. You don't want to be close to anything harder than water -- stay out away from shore, piers, pilings, other boats. Factor in where your boat will be lying when the wind reverses. Take off everything from above-decks, including the roller furling headsails, bimini, dodger, winch covers. Tie off all halyards, topping lifts, etc. Put canvas chafing gear on your anchor rodes at the chocks. Lash tiller or wheel dead ahead. Take off dorades and put in the plugs. I leave the boat unlocked with Master switch turned to both, raw water intake valve open, key in the switch, lockers unlocked with other anchors/rodes on top, anchor light rigged or left on (for easy spotting at night).

We keep at least one person awake and watching the boats on a rotating schedule, usually an hour at a time around the clock. This enables us to spot a dragging anchor, chafed thru rode, weather change, etc. right away and take appropriate action.

Regarding sailing in these conditions-- don't even try. Anything you put up will be destroyed in a few moments and you will have absolutely no control except dead downwind until the sail disintegrates.This has disaster written all over it. Over about 80 mph winds one cannot stand up on shore much less aboard a boat in heavy waves, verbal communications ceases to exist except by yelling directly into someone's ear, and fear and apprehension renders a lot of folks useless.

I have ridden out two hurricanes aboard, Gloria in 1985 (155 mph recorded wind speed, and Gordon in 1984 (110 mph recorded) both times with boat appropriatey anchored. Except for the noise it was an interesting experience. Even cooked aboard (on the gimballed one-burner stove) and went out (with harness, of course)every couple of hours to check rodes.

Perhaps this sheds some light on your hypothetical. It's probably overkill but I have yet to have a boat damaged since I moved here in 1972. Others have not been as lucky.

Andy Denmark
CD-27 "Rhiannon"
Oriental, NC

demers@sgi.com

[Hanalei]

Captain Kaplan,

Southern Ocean racers, I believe they will agree that the best way to ride out a blow is to cut her windage as much as possible(read that "bare" poles), lash the helm, go below, batten the hatches, lash yourself into your bunk and close yer eyes until it is all over. In the situation you propose, cut her windage any way you can, anchor her with everything heavy ya has(one would think of rousting out that old alcohol stove and sliding her down the anchor rode!)apply proper chafing gear, row ashore, buy a good quality Scotch, look up the insurance company's telephone number, build a fire in the fire place and RIDE OUT THE STORM!

No sense getting silly about this one, life can not be replaced as easily as can ones' vessel!

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
S/v Hanalei

[will parker]

Warren:
You have certainly raised a serious question and propmpted some very thoughtful and useful answers from some very experienced sailors. I can add nothing to what they say about hurricane preparation ezcept to say "Amen" and "right on, Bro".
However, your hypothetical assumed less than hurricane winds, and that is my experience. I will also observe that it is unlikely you will have such notice of the kind of storm you described. Usually when I get hit with 40-50 knot winds gusting higher, it is in the middle of a deep sleep, sometime between midnight and 0200. But it very seldom lasts more than a couple of hours.
The point is that I now assume I will get hit with such a storm every time I drop the hook. So when I anchor, I like to first know the holding ground is good. Sometimes I dive on the anchor to be sure it is really set properly. I drop only one anchor (a Bruce 33lb) because invariably the anchorages fill up and there simply is no room to drop more than one. It is not unusal to have to warn another sailor that he is either dropping his hook on top of mine or that he is just too close.(These are usually charter boat skippers). I also now use all chain (5/16" HT) rode with a snubber. I invariably deploy about 100 feet of scope. I am usually in 10 to 15 feet of water. I make certain my sails are furled tightly, but I don't take down any other canvas. When the blow hits at 0dark30, I always wake up and start the engine just in case.
I have never dragged anchor in such a blow, but have watched other boats do so and come dangerously close to me.
Anyway, thanks for provoking this discussion. I learned a lot from the other responders.
Will
"Jambalaya"
CD 30 Hull 358

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.

report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat.

Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

whildenp@earthlink.net

[Warren Kaplan]

Captain Kaplan,

Southern Ocean racers, I believe they will agree that the best way to ride out a blow is to cut her windage as much as possible(read that "bare" poles), lash the helm, go below, batten the hatches, lash yourself into your bunk and close yer eyes until it is all over. In the situation you propose, cut her windage any way you can, anchor her with everything heavy ya has(one would think of rousting out that old alcohol stove and sliding her down the anchor rode!)apply proper chafing gear, row ashore, buy a good quality Scotch, look up the insurance company's telephone number, build a fire in the fire place and RIDE OUT THE STORM!

No sense getting silly about this one, life can not be replaced as easily as can ones' vessel!

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
S/v Hanalei

Captain Stump,
Thank you for your comments and your concern for my welfare when faced with extreme weather conditions. I will take them all to heart. Luckily I will not have to "buy" a bottle of good scotch for I always have a bottle of fine single malt aboard. I keep Sine Qua Non's engine well oiled all the time. I see no reason why the captain shouldn't be well oiled all the time too! Captain Stump...if you ever find yourself short of "personal" oil aboard Hanalei, I will glady offer you some of mine!

Warren Kaplan..purveyor of fine oil
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166



Setsail728@aol.com

[Ken Coit]

that hurricane landfalls in NC were usually at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, south of Wilmington. From there they do tend to either run up the coast or up the Cape Fear aways. Of course, that may make Oriental an even less desireable place to be, on the NE side of the storm center.

In any case, we would sure welcome Larry when he can break away from all the ice and snow.

Still hoping to down a Dark 'n Stormy wid ya.

Ken

This is in the order of one of those things that pops into your head in the middle of the night for no good reason but you just can't get rid of unless you get some answers. So here goes.
You have taken refuge in a "hurricane hole" because the weather report predicts a storm approaching with the possibility of 40-50 knot winds with frequent gusts well above that. This isn't going to be a short burst thunderstorm, but rather something that may be around for 12-18 hours before abating. For the sake of this scenario, there is no possiblity of getting into a marina and getting off the boat. You get to your hurricane hole in plenty of time and you set whatever anchor pattern you want. One, two, three anchors and you set them as far away from the predicted lee shore as you can. But you are still concerned about dragging as you always should be in that wind condition. Finally, the substance of the question. In predicted very strong winds, is it wise to take all the sails off and stow them or should you leave them on the rigging?
Leaving the sails on will cause greater pressure on the rigging in heavy winds. That pressure obviously could damage the rigging. The wind even on furled sails could make the boat "sail" at anchor and possibly increase the chance of breaking the anchor out or chafing the rode. Also there is the possibility of the jib unfurling in this kind of wind, causing all kinds of problems. On the other hand leaving the sails bent on but furled could save your boat if the anchor does drag. If you are drifting towards a lee shore a small sailboat engine (like a YSM8 on the CD27) may not be able to handle getting the boat upwind against a strong chop and current. Perhaps unfurling a piece of the jib would give enough power with the engine to claw off a lee shore so the anchors could be reset. Trying to bend the sails back on the rigging in such weather could be futile. So, what's the prudent thing to do. Leave the sails, or maybe just the jib bent on, but furled tightly (I don't have any storm sails), or take them off to reduce the windage on the boat?
Sorry about this but if I don't ask this will be with me for the next 3 or 4 nights!

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

Hi Warren,

The scenario that you hypothesize is a reality here. Oriental is almost at the bullseye (sorry Larry) of the many Atlantic Coast hurricanes. The water directly in front of my house is a favorite hurricane hole for sometimes fifteen or twenty boats anchored out for the storms. My house becomes "hurricane central" for a number of these boatowners through the duration of these storms as I have emergency generator (gives us TV, refrigeration,lights,and ham radio communications)and the highest spot around to park vehicles. It's a sight with people sleeping on the living room floor, foul weather gear everywhere and a variety of appropriate chow. We have a powerboat in the water (self-bailing with plenty of h.p.) in case of moored-out emergencies, and plenty of experienced manpower immediately available.

Here are the guidelines we use. Anchor out with the two heaviest anchors you have with anchors perpndicular to the path of the wind. You want the boat to be roughly centered between the anchors with the rodes at roughly 45* to the boat and from the bow only (important -- no stern anchors). Usually the strongest winds are polar opposites; ours usually are SW to NE or the opposite depending where the eye is going to pass. You don't want to be close to anything harder than water -- stay out away from shore, piers, pilings, other boats. Factor in where your boat will be lying when the wind reverses. Take off everything from above-decks, including the roller furling headsails, bimini, dodger, winch covers. Tie off all halyards, topping lifts, etc. Put canvas chafing gear on your anchor rodes at the chocks. Lash tiller or wheel dead ahead. Take off dorades and put in the plugs. I leave the boat unlocked with Master switch turned to both, raw water intake valve open, key in the switch, lockers unlocked with other anchors/rodes on top, anchor light rigged or left on (for easy spotting at night).

We keep at least one person awake and watching the boats on a rotating schedule, usually an hour at a time around the clock. This enables us to spot a dragging anchor, chafed thru rode, weather change, etc. right away and take appropriate action.

Regarding sailing in these conditions-- don't even try. Anything you put up will be destroyed in a few moments and you will have absolutely no control except dead downwind until the sail disintegrates.This has disaster written all over it. Over about 80 mph winds one cannot stand up on shore much less aboard a boat in heavy waves, verbal communications ceases to exist except by yelling directly into someone's ear, and fear and apprehension renders a lot of folks useless.

I have ridden out two hurricanes aboard, Gloria in 1985 (155 mph recorded wind speed, and Gordon in 1984 (110 mph recorded) both times with boat appropriatey anchored. Except for the noise it was an interesting experience. Even cooked aboard (on the gimballed one-burner stove) and went out (with harness, of course)every couple of hours to check rodes.

Perhaps this sheds some light on your hypothetical. It's probably overkill but I have yet to have a boat damaged since I moved here in 1972. Others have not been as lucky.

Andy Denmark
CD-27 "Rhiannon"
Oriental, NC

PPPparfait@nc.rr.com

[Jim Westpfahl]

I read your commments to Warren Kaplan's question. I have been in that situation and did all you describe EXCEPT for the riding sail on the aft stay. You offered a photo of your rig. I would love the see that photo. They say immitation is the best form of flattery. So, get reay for some stroking, sir.

Jim Westpfahl
'85 CD25D- Belladonna

PS: What size riding sail would you recommend for my CD?

[Larry DeMers]

Jim,

West Marine and most others carry two sizes of riding sails, and for the 25D I would choose the smaller one. It should more than enough area to steer the boat while at anchor. Shoot me your e-mailer addr. and I will respond with a couple of our riding sail.
****This offer is to anyone who wants a copy of these photos***


Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
CD30
demers@sgi.com

I read your commments to Warren Kaplan's question. I have been in that situation and did all you describe EXCEPT for the riding sail on the aft stay. You offered a photo of your rig. I would love the see that photo. They say immitation is the best form of flattery. So, get reay for some stroking, sir.

Jim Westpfahl
'85 CD25D- Belladonna

PS: What size riding sail would you recommend for my CD?

demers@sgi.com

[Leo MacDonald]

macdoreNOSPAM@aol.com