Living around New England we know there is the potential for some strong thunderstorms. I have a CD 25 that with winds higher the 20 knots I can't really push against them. What would people recomend for smaller cape dorys for these situations. Would going on achor be better or would you be at higher risk for a lightening strike? I could set a double reef, but that's risky not knowing the strength of the wind before the storm hits. I guess the best method is to just aviod them all together, but sometimes this a unavoidable. Thanks for any advice.
Dave
CD25 R&R
Gloucester, ma
ddsailor25@ureach.com
storm tactics
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Gary L
Re: storm tactics
Dave,Dave D wrote: Living around New England we know there is the potential for some strong thunderstorms. I have a CD 25 that with winds higher the 20 knots I can't really push against them. What would people recomend for smaller cape dorys for these situations. Would going on achor be better or would you be at higher risk for a lightening strike? I could set a double reef, but that's risky not knowing the strength of the wind before the storm hits. I guess the best method is to just aviod them all together, but sometimes this a unavoidable. Thanks for any advice.
Always listen to the weather, be it on TV or on the Weather channel on VHF, SSB, etc. Plan your activities around it. If you know that the wind will pick up later in the day, shorten sail early. If the weather is to expect storms during the day, plan your trip so that you have sheltered areas to run to, and make for them early. Once in the sheltered area, set your anchor(s) accordingly, get any unnecessary gear off the deck. secure sails, especially roller furling, and read a good book. You can risk being out there and fighting the weather, but even master sailors have gone under. Why take risks unnecessarily.
In New England, there are thousands of coves, harbors inlets, etc. to run to. Check them out during day sails; anchor in them if you can, pick your spots, and remember them or make them on your charts.
Hope this helps,
Fair winds - calm seas.
Gary Lapine
Red Witch III
CD30C, #339
Somerset, MA
Dave D wrote: Dave
CD25 R&R
Gloucester, ma
dory26@attbi.com
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Scott MacCready, Presque
Re: storm tactics
And if you're out too far to make it to safety, what the best tactic for surviving the storms? Go below and drift with the flow? Motor into the wind? (hard with my Honda 5hp) How's a storm anchor work? etc...
capedorysailor@earthlink.net
capedorysailor@earthlink.net
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andrea kline
Re: storm tactics
As I found out 3 weeks after getting my first boat, an outboard is useless in a storm with strong winds. If the winds are overpowering and you are in an anchorable area- drop the sails and anchor, then go into the cabin and ride it out.
Another thing to keep in mind is all weather is local. Always watch the skies when you are out. Localized storms can occur and are often not included in weather reports. Be conservative and use your own judgement while out there.
If you are heading for an anchorage and the storm hits first, don't try to go into a congested anchorage or marina in a storm, you are better off to stay in the open and try to ride it out with minimal sail and trying to keep pointed into the waves.
Be aware of other boats around you and try to stay away from them.
Hope this helps.
Andrea
CD Ambuscade
andreak3@aol.com
Another thing to keep in mind is all weather is local. Always watch the skies when you are out. Localized storms can occur and are often not included in weather reports. Be conservative and use your own judgement while out there.
If you are heading for an anchorage and the storm hits first, don't try to go into a congested anchorage or marina in a storm, you are better off to stay in the open and try to ride it out with minimal sail and trying to keep pointed into the waves.
Be aware of other boats around you and try to stay away from them.
Hope this helps.
Andrea
CD Ambuscade
andreak3@aol.com
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Chris Reinke - CD330
Get a copy of "Storm Tactics Handbook"
I recommend a copy of "Storm Tactics Handbook" by Lin and Larry Pardey to anyone who sails in unprotected waters. Amazon offers it for under $20.00 and it is a great place to start. I keep a copy onboard, plus enjoy reading it over each season to keep the information fresh
Dave D wrote: Living around New England we know there is the potential for some strong thunderstorms. I have a CD 25 that with winds higher the 20 knots I can't really push against them. What would people recomend for smaller cape dorys for these situations. Would going on achor be better or would you be at higher risk for a lightening strike? I could set a double reef, but that's risky not knowing the strength of the wind before the storm hits. I guess the best method is to just aviod them all together, but sometimes this a unavoidable. Thanks for any advice.
Dave
CD25 R&R
Gloucester, ma
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Gary L.
Re: storm tactics
Scott,Scott MacCready, Presque Isle wrote: And if you're out too far to make it to safety, what the best tactic for surviving the storms? Go below and drift with the flow? Motor into the wind? (hard with my Honda 5hp) How's a storm anchor work? etc...
I do not know what you mean by being out too far. Are you still coastal crusing? Making an Ocean Voyage? But, whatever the situation, the procedures are the same. But, we are talking about safe procedures when you can no longer manuever your boat. If it is a question concerning shortening sail, then maybe you should invest in both a storm jib and trysail. The storm jib could reduce the amount of sail forward enough to maybe make headway. But, if you have to lay up until the weather turns, then both the storm jib and trysail will help keep your position. If you have a storm anchor, which acts like a parachute under water and helps hold your position, then use it. It will keep you bow to the wind and hopefully the waves. If not, you can fashion a drogue from anchor rode. Double it up and put a large bight (loop) on the end. This can be set to either stern or bow, and will help keep your position.
I must mention that I have never personally experienced a situation where I had to deploy the above procedures. I have been in many a storm with my former boat, Mr. Peeps, a CD26, and learned many a lesson. The first, is to listen to the weather, and plan accordingly.
Gary Lapine
Red Witch III
CD30C, #339
Somerset, MA
dory26@attbi.com
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Neil Gordon
Re: storm tactics
Good advice from everyone so far.
Best is to check the weather in advance and then keep your eyes open. Unfortunately, t-storms are forecast on lots of summer days. If you stay home everytime there's a possibility of thunderstorms, you won't sail much. So watch the sky if there's a chance of t-storms and be ready.
If you can make it home or to a safe anchorage, that's a good plan. But be sure you can get there before the storm hits. (A sailor died in Boston Harbor a few years ago because he left a safe anchorage and tried to get home before a t-storm hit... he was caught will full sails up in a narrow channel with few options. He fell overboard trying to reduce sail.)
If you think you might be caught out, be ready. Jacklines and a harness will keep you on the boat. Rig the jacklines well in advance. Reef early or drop the sails altogether. If you have searoom, button up the boat and just ride it out. If the best course is to run with the wind, do that, even if you get blown offshore. Getting blown onshore is what hurts! The boat will handle plenty and most likely the storm will pass in 20 minutes or so. Stay in control and don't panic and you'll be fine.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Best is to check the weather in advance and then keep your eyes open. Unfortunately, t-storms are forecast on lots of summer days. If you stay home everytime there's a possibility of thunderstorms, you won't sail much. So watch the sky if there's a chance of t-storms and be ready.
If you can make it home or to a safe anchorage, that's a good plan. But be sure you can get there before the storm hits. (A sailor died in Boston Harbor a few years ago because he left a safe anchorage and tried to get home before a t-storm hit... he was caught will full sails up in a narrow channel with few options. He fell overboard trying to reduce sail.)
If you think you might be caught out, be ready. Jacklines and a harness will keep you on the boat. Rig the jacklines well in advance. Reef early or drop the sails altogether. If you have searoom, button up the boat and just ride it out. If the best course is to run with the wind, do that, even if you get blown offshore. Getting blown onshore is what hurts! The boat will handle plenty and most likely the storm will pass in 20 minutes or so. Stay in control and don't panic and you'll be fine.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
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Richard Hill
Re: storm tactics
Dave,
I'm not sure there is a really good answer for thunderstorms. They scare the daylights out of me (lightning), but are a fact of life in the southeast, also. I'm not familiar with your waters, so take this with a grain of salt. I don't generally like the option of just going passive - dropping sails and going below, or anchoring. There is often other boat (or worse ship or tugboat/barge) traffic that will keep going through a thunderstorm. I know of a couple of cases where folks have been run down by barges. Don't count on being seen - even with an anchor lite - if it's raining and blowing really hard.
You need good foul weather gear, WEAR a life preserver and harness. You want to stay aboard in any event. If you can double reef ahead of the storm's arrival, I think a double reefed main and your outboard will be able to cope with most storms. But not all. Count on it. I've had quite a few of these thrilling experiences, and still dread them. Mostly, you just do the best you can. If you can get to a SAFE, uncongested anchorage before the storm, do so. Otherwise, try to keep your wits about you and endure it. If you have GPS, begin plotting your course made good before the storm hits. You may be able to continue tracking with GPS and no visibility.
The other advice I have is to keep a weather eye out. If things start looking dark on the horizon, be a chicken. Start looking for a hidey hole. Try to get to an area where you won't be in danger of being run aground (rocks, shoals, etc.). And try to get out of areas where you HAVE to remain in a narrow channel. The more maneuver room you leave yourself, the safer you'll be. The good news is that they pass. Hope this helps some.
captrahill@comcast.net
I'm not sure there is a really good answer for thunderstorms. They scare the daylights out of me (lightning), but are a fact of life in the southeast, also. I'm not familiar with your waters, so take this with a grain of salt. I don't generally like the option of just going passive - dropping sails and going below, or anchoring. There is often other boat (or worse ship or tugboat/barge) traffic that will keep going through a thunderstorm. I know of a couple of cases where folks have been run down by barges. Don't count on being seen - even with an anchor lite - if it's raining and blowing really hard.
You need good foul weather gear, WEAR a life preserver and harness. You want to stay aboard in any event. If you can double reef ahead of the storm's arrival, I think a double reefed main and your outboard will be able to cope with most storms. But not all. Count on it. I've had quite a few of these thrilling experiences, and still dread them. Mostly, you just do the best you can. If you can get to a SAFE, uncongested anchorage before the storm, do so. Otherwise, try to keep your wits about you and endure it. If you have GPS, begin plotting your course made good before the storm hits. You may be able to continue tracking with GPS and no visibility.
The other advice I have is to keep a weather eye out. If things start looking dark on the horizon, be a chicken. Start looking for a hidey hole. Try to get to an area where you won't be in danger of being run aground (rocks, shoals, etc.). And try to get out of areas where you HAVE to remain in a narrow channel. The more maneuver room you leave yourself, the safer you'll be. The good news is that they pass. Hope this helps some.
Dave D wrote: Living around New England we know there is the potential for some strong thunderstorms. I have a CD 25 that with winds higher the 20 knots I can't really push against them. What would people recomend for smaller cape dorys for these situations. Would going on achor be better or would you be at higher risk for a lightening strike? I could set a double reef, but that's risky not knowing the strength of the wind before the storm hits. I guess the best method is to just aviod them all together, but sometimes this a unavoidable. Thanks for any advice.
Dave
CD25 R&R
Gloucester, ma
captrahill@comcast.net
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Neil Gordon
Re: storm tactics
>>There is often other boat (or worse ship or tugboat/barge) traffic that will keep going through a thunderstorm. I know of a couple of cases where folks have been run down by barges. Don't count on being seen ...<<
Good point.
It's a good idea to stay out of a channel in reduced visibility. Ships, barges, etc., are big and they move quickly. Don't count on their radar or lookouts seeing you. I'd opt for a soft grounding rather than hard impact with a barge.
One plan, if there's room, would be to create your own channel on the "wrong" side of the buoys. You stay out of the traffic, but still have the marks to confirm your position.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
Good point.
It's a good idea to stay out of a channel in reduced visibility. Ships, barges, etc., are big and they move quickly. Don't count on their radar or lookouts seeing you. I'd opt for a soft grounding rather than hard impact with a barge.
One plan, if there's room, would be to create your own channel on the "wrong" side of the buoys. You stay out of the traffic, but still have the marks to confirm your position.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Neil Gordon
Re: storm tactics
>>And if you're out too far to make it to safety, what the best tactic for surviving the storms? Go below and drift with the flow? Motor into the wind? (hard with my Honda 5hp) How's a storm anchor work?<<
If you're daysailing, you're not going to be caught in a storm for days on end. You just have to survive 20 minutes or so or a squall.
Viable options:
Double reef and heave to. The boat will settle down and ride fairly comfortably. (Heaving to on stbd tack is a good idea... it gives you right of way over almost everything.)
Bare poles and run downwind.
Bare poles and lie ahull. You won't drift very far in 20 minutes.
In any case, be sure you have enough sea room. I'd rather be blown offshore than onshore, by the way!
A sea anchor is probably not a good option. They're expensive and difficult to deploy. Even harder to retrive. And forget about avoiding traffic... you run the risk of someone running over and fouling the rode.
Bottom line is that the boat will take the storm quite well, especially buttoned up so the water stays on the outside. Tactics are less about the boat surviving and more about keeping the crew as comfortable and safe as possible and keeping gear (sails in particular) safe from damage or destruction.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
If you're daysailing, you're not going to be caught in a storm for days on end. You just have to survive 20 minutes or so or a squall.
Viable options:
Double reef and heave to. The boat will settle down and ride fairly comfortably. (Heaving to on stbd tack is a good idea... it gives you right of way over almost everything.)
Bare poles and run downwind.
Bare poles and lie ahull. You won't drift very far in 20 minutes.
In any case, be sure you have enough sea room. I'd rather be blown offshore than onshore, by the way!
A sea anchor is probably not a good option. They're expensive and difficult to deploy. Even harder to retrive. And forget about avoiding traffic... you run the risk of someone running over and fouling the rode.
Bottom line is that the boat will take the storm quite well, especially buttoned up so the water stays on the outside. Tactics are less about the boat surviving and more about keeping the crew as comfortable and safe as possible and keeping gear (sails in particular) safe from damage or destruction.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Richard Hill
Re: storm tactics
That's a good idea! Usually, floating buoys have plenty of depth for small craft on the outside of the channel - but not always. Intracoastal Waterway markers aren't placed in deep water, and bends in the channel might also have shallow water outside of them. I guess the key is to keep your wits about you (although I ssem to be shorted on those!), and keep your options open - as much sea room as you can get.Neil Gordon wrote: >>There is often other boat (or worse ship or tugboat/barge) traffic that will keep going through a thunderstorm. I know of a couple of cases where folks have been run down by barges. Don't count on being seen ...<<
Good point.
It's a good idea to stay out of a channel in reduced visibility. Ships, barges, etc., are big and they move quickly. Don't count on their radar or lookouts seeing you. I'd opt for a soft grounding rather than hard impact with a barge.
One plan, if there's room, would be to create your own channel on the "wrong" side of the buoys. You stay out of the traffic, but still have the marks to confirm your position.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
captrahill@comcast.net