One of the keys to being able to enjoy more when traveling by sailboat is to know a little better the environment where you move. This involves not only getting to know the different parts of the vessel, but also knowing something more about the state of the sea.
Although sailboats have modern navigation systems that make it safer, paying attention to phenomena such as the combined sea is key to enjoying a much safer journey.
Combined Sea Definition
The combined sea is one of the greatest difficulties a sailor can face. Basically, the combined sea is known as a superposition of different wave systems. When more than two wave systems coming from different directions and at different periods overlap, the combined sea occurs.
As its name suggests, we are facing a combination of different elements that complicate the sea. The combined sea is characterized by waves of different heights and also by a combination of the most varied directions.
The combined sea can also come in different forms, for example, it can include swell. All these complications are common when one is sailing through places like Antarctica where suffering a swell is most common due to the weather conditions that accompany the region.
This type of combined sea can be more dangerous than other types of sea, for example, than windy sea. This is due to the unpredictability with which it is presented, making it much more difficult for the crew to predict its behavior.
The phenomena that occur during the combined sea greatly complicate the navigation of the boat, making the crossing completely difficult. As there are waves of different heights and different currents, they can break unexpectedly, which poses a greater risk to the boat.
How the combined sea affects navigation
It is clear that the combined sea affects navigation in a negative way. This oceanic phenomenon is a challenge even for today’s boats, so it is very important to follow the tips that we are going to show below to try to navigate as safely as possible.
When there is a combined sea, one of the most common effects is that the boat suffers sudden movements. This is something logical to expect, since we are talking about waves of different heights and currents from different directions that end up causing the boat to rock much more intensely.
It is also common for the speed of the boat to decrease. As the sea is rough, there is greater resistance from the water, so the boat ends up moving more slowly.
Other problems that can affect navigation are the increase in breakdowns. The strong shaking of the water can end up causing damage to the boat’s equipment, so it is best to try to avoid sailing under these conditions as much as possible.
Other of the most common effects are usually seasickness on the part of the crew and difficulty in staying on course. Today’s modern boats can alleviate these problems as much as possible, but such a sea can be quite an adventure for navigation.
Tips for sailing in combined sea conditions
The first thing to keep in mind is to try to find out about the weather conditions. The most modern sailboats that we have at Alegría Marineros have advanced technology equipment that analyzes the weather.
Although the combined sea is sometimes unpredictable, as far as possible it is important to try to analyse the sea conditions to know what to expect. Sometimes delaying the adventure for a few minutes will suffice, while in other cases, it will probably need to be delayed for a longer amount of time.
When there is a combined sea, it is best to reduce the sail. This combined sea is usually accompanied by the most adverse weather, so by reducing the sail you will prevent the boat from climbing too much as it has less sail area. This will allow us to navigate in a much safer way.
In addition to reducing the sail, it is also recommended to ballast the boat. When a boat is more ballasted, it is much more stable. The combined sea is one of the worst sea conditions you can experience, so trying to make the boat more stable is a good idea.
If you are going to sail with combined seas, for example, because the conditions have occurred in the middle of the crossing, it is important that the crew is well prepared. All the crew members of the boat must be protected by having them wear the life jacket and, if possible, have a lifeline that attaches them to a fixed point on the boat.
This will prevent someone from falling overboard by accident. In addition, it is also important to secure the load well to prevent all kinds of objects that could injure the crew from being thrown inside the ship.
To achieve safe navigation, you must navigate with caution in this type of situation. Try to keep the speed moderate and, as far as possible, avoid sudden manoeuvres.
Finally, it is always advisable to seek shelter, especially when conditions worsen. Whenever there is a strong swell that can put any experienced sailor in trouble , it is recommended to look for a port or a cove where you can take refuge until the weather forecast is better and weather the storm.
Never be complacent when these problems occur because underestimating the danger of the sea can have fatal consequences. Although we always sail with caution, it is important not to relax and always be alert to any danger that could happen, especially when they are as unpredictable as the combined sea is.
