Rough Weather Seamanship for Sail and Power: Design, Gear, and Tactics for Coastal and Offshore Waters

by Roger Marshall

Overview

Written by an accomplished naval architect, this book shows the average boater how to safely weather the fiercest storm. Rough Weather Seamanship for Sail and Power arms readers with the knowledge they need to select and modify a boat for heavy weather; understand, track, and evade storm systems; and prepare for a storm in harbor, coastal waters, and offshore. It offers ocean-tested heavy-weather techniques for both sailboats and powerboats, practical advice on surviving worst-case scenarios, and decision-making exercises that can save lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780071491013
Publisher:	McGraw Hill LLC
Publication date:	06/27/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	67 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Roger Marshall is the technical editor for Soundings and the author of 12 yachting books. An accomplished sailor, he has competed at all levels of racing, including Admiral's Cup and Fastnet races.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction ... 1

Chapter 1 Understanding the Weather ... 3

Sources of Weather Information ... 4

Highs, Lows, and Fronts ... 5

Clouds ... 16

Deck-Level Forecasting ... 19

Non-Tropical Rotational Storms ... 22

Thunderstorms ... 23

Tropical Storms ... 27

Chapter 2 Waves ... 39

Wind-Generated Waves ... 40

Rough-Weather Seas ... 44

Other Wave Factors ... 48

Strategies for Big Waves ... 51

Chapter 3 Confidence Starts with a Good Boat ... 54

Hull Construction ... 55

Heavy-Weather Hulls: Sailboats ... 56

Heavy-Weather Hulls: Powerboats ... 63

Sailboat and Powerboat Stability ... 77

Designing for Heavy Weather Below Deck ... 85

Designing for Heavy Weather On Deck ... 88

The Mast and Rigging ... 95

The Engine Compartment ... 95

The Steering System ... 98

Chapter 4 Stormproofing Your Boat ... 103

Preparing the Deck and Deck Equipment ... 104

Preparing the Rig ... 115

Preparing the Engines and Mechanical Gear ... 118

Preparing the Electrical System ... 121

Preparations Inside the Boat ... 123

Miscellaneous Equipment ... 128

Emergency Repair Gear ... 129

Radar Reflectors ... 130

Final Thoughts ... 133

Chapter 5 Storm Sails ... 135

Headsails ... 136

The Mainsail ... 142

Powerboat Steadying Sails ... 146

Additional Thoughts on Storm Sails ... 146

Chapter 6 Preparing for a Storm in Harbor ... 147

The Plan ... 147

Putting Your Plan into Operation ... 149

What About the Lines? ... 163

Chapter 7 Preparing for Rough Weather at Sea ... 165

Preparing to Go Offshore ... 166

Setting Watches ... 170

Sailing at Night ... 171

Everyday Practice Makes It Easier to Weather a Storm ... 175

Going Aloft ... 178

Preparing for a Cold Front ... 182

Chapter 8 Heavy-Weather Techniques ... 187

Carrying On ... 188

The Passive Approach ... 202

Running Off ... 207

Chapter 9 Keeping Your Crew Safe ... 214

Personal Gear ... 214

Man Overboard ... 222

If Your Boat Is in Trouble ... 237

Hypothermia: Why It Can Be Deadly ... 248

Seasickness ... 249

Children in Rough Weather ... 250

Surviving a Panic Attack ... 251

Chapter 10 Damage Control ... 254

Tools ... 255

Repair Materials ... 257

On-Deck Problems ... 258

Sail Repairs ... 259

Mast Failure ... 263

Engine Problems ... 264

Propeller Problems ... 265

Propeller Shaft and Related Problems ... 265

Steering Failure ... 266

Hull Damage ... 270

Make an Emergency Plan ... 272

Keel Failure ... 273

Chapter 11 For Those in Peril on the Sea ... 275

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) ... 276

VHF Radio Distress Calls ... 278

Beyond VHF ... 279

Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) ... 280

When You Need Help in U.S. Waters ... 281

More on the RNLI ... 287

Pay for Rescue? ... 290

Appendix: U.S. Coast Guard Dewatering Pump Instructions ... 294

Acknowledgments ... 296

Index ... 297