When it comes to sailing trips , many unforeseen events can arise. The sea is the true example of the force of nature in all its splendor and, as such, it must always be respected.
When going sailing, it is always important to take into account the weather. In order to have much safer navigation, it is important to anticipate storms, avoid the most dangerous areas and, in the event of bad weather, wait for the situation to improve.
In certain areas where the weather is usually more stormy, changes occur suddenly, with hardly any reaction. Learning to sail in these extreme situations is also important, as we will not always be able to avoid these adverse weather conditions.
In this article we are going to learn a little more about those conditions. When the forecast fails and you have to adapt quickly to changes, knowing how to react in time and having a prepared crew are key to the safety of the boat. Taking into account this type of navigation, we are going to talk about the two most characteristic concepts, running and weathering the storm.
What does it mean to run the storm?
Running the storm is a maneuver through which you set course in the same direction as the wind and the waves. This name is due to the fact that both the wind and the waves as well as the boat itself run in the same direction.
Although the term running is within the definition itself, it is always recommended to adjust the navigation of the boat and sail at the minimum safety speed while receiving the impact of the waves from the fin or stern.
What does it mean to weather the storm?
Weathering the storm is the best option of all and whenever possible it is the option that should be chosen in stormy weather. Weathering the storm consists of holding the storm bow to it until the wind dies down and you can sail again without risks.
When the storm is weathered, the waves must impact the boat through the tacks, thus avoiding the blows that occur when they enter through the bow, thus protecting the boat. In addition to improving the safety of the boat, weathering the storm makes navigation much more comfortable for the boat’s crew.
Weathering the storm
Due to the way of sailing that weathering the storm entails, it is a technique that may seem counterintuitive. Receiving the wind from the side of the boat, that is, sailing with the wind of tack, may seem strange, but it is one of the safest and most effective navigations when the maritime conditions are extreme.
When sailing in this way against the force of the wind, a lower impact of the waves is achieved. When sailing in the tack wind, the waves hit the side of the boat instead of the bow, which significantly reduces ramming.
By sailing in this way, the boat achieves greater stability. Getting the boat to roll much less is one of the keys to any safe sailing, as it is less likely to heel.
When it comes to weathering the storm, it is easier to have control over the course. Although wind and waves can make sailing difficult, an experienced sailor will have fewer problems when it comes to controlling and carrying out a maneuver with the boat when it is weathering the storm.
Finally, it’s not just about making sailing easier, but it’s a great way to protect your boat. When you weather the storm, you reduce the sail area and sail with the tack wind, so you achieve safe navigation by reducing the risk that the mast or sails can be damaged due to the strong wind.
Factors that determine the choice: running or weathering
When one of these sudden situations occurs in which the weather changes abruptly, it is time to make the decision between racing or weathering. It is not really an easy decision, however, there are some factors that can be taken into account in order to choose the most recommended option.
The type of vessel, for example, will be an important factor. This is because sailboats can weather the storm better because they have greater stability than other boats. Despite this, it is always important to be aware if the conditions are too extreme, as it might be necessary to use stakes.
Analyzing the weather condition is also very important. In strong winds it is usually more advisable to run in order to avoid damage to the rigging. In addition to the wind speed, something similar happens depending on the height of the waves. With high waves, the higher and shorter the waves, the more difficult it is to weather, so it is safer to run.
On the other hand, visibility is also important. If there are conditions of poor visibility, the safest thing to do is to weather. By weathering you can maintain a much more constant and safe course, which will prevent you from moving blindly across the ocean.
Finally, the depth of the draft must also be weighed. Knowing what waters we are in is very important, since weathering in shallow waters can be dangerous because there is a risk of running aground.
Recommendations for safe navigation in storms
If there is a storm warning and you want to sail safely, follow these recommendations to enjoy safe navigation in storms.
Before setting sail, it is important that the boat is as well prepared as possible. Check that there are no leaks or damage and that everything is in perfect condition, for example, the grip of the railings or windows.
As you would do in any vehicle before taking a trip, check that everything is working perfectly before you leave. We are talking about the engine, the steering, the radio, the navigation lights… All this navigation equipment will be very important if emergency maneuvers have to be carried out.
In the same way, also check the safety equipment. In this case we are talking about life jackets, life rafts, lifelines, first aid kits… everything you may need when the storm conditions are adverse.
Try to secure everything on board. Remember that, in sea storms, due to the movement of the wind, it is possible for objects inside the boat to fall or move. To prevent this from happening, it is important to have everything well tied up and prepared for this type of circumstance.
It is also important to consider alternative routes in case conditions worsen. It is very important to know the area where you are going to sail well in order to be able to quickly reach safe ports or to use communication if necessary. Finally, make sure that the boat is well loaded with fuel in case you spend a little more time than desired at sea.
During the storm, always adapt the speed of the boat to the sea conditions. It is at this point where you must make the decision to ride and, as we have mentioned before, this will depend on several factors.
When storm conditions are bad, vigilance must always be maintained. Being alert is one of the most important tasks of the crew and that means constantly monitoring the environment, the state of the boat and, of course, the boat in general. If conditions are very bad, always try to maintain constant communication with other boats or with land to have help in case of need.
The routine does not end with the end of the storm, as you will have to assess the damage, carry out repairs and, if possible, rest properly to recover from the effort. When sailing in these conditions, you should always prioritize safety above any other aspect.
No matter how much time is spent or what route is taken, the safest decisions must always be made for the vessel and crew. Whenever there is a weather alert or the conditions are not good, it is never wrong to seek refuge in the nearest port.
