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