Safe at Sea: Part II: Boat handling in heavy seas
Part I of boat handling in heavy seas focused on how to cross large waves, a skill needed in turbulent weather. Even the most seasoned boater who has checked/double-checked the forecast has, at some time, had to deal with significant wave action in an effort to reach safe harbor.
Part II discusses “running before the waves,” which requires keeping the stern square to the waves and running on the back of a single wave. Also discussed is running parallel to waves.
Because you are traveling with the wind, you may be fooled into believing the sea is relatively calm. What you need to be checking, however, are the waves’ heights. This is a must before attempting to go over the back of a wave.
– Step 1: Use engine power to maintain a position about one-third the way back from the wave’s crest.
– Step 2: Be ready to adjust speed to maintain steerage and control. In a slow displacement vessel, you may not be able to keep up with a single wave. If you cannot keep up with a single wave, concentrate on keeping the boat centered with its stern square to the waves coming up behind you, allowing successive waves to pass under your keel.
Reminder: In high seas, there is a danger of going over the top of the wave to the steep slope beyond. This may result in the bow digging in and a possible “pitch-poling” (stern over bow) or turning the boat parallel to the waves.
This leads to the second part of this column — how to run parallel to the waves in high seas. Running parallel to waves is often uncomfortable and is always potentially dangerous. Larger waves (that is, “larger in comparison to your vessel”) can capsize a boat by rolling it over. To avoid this, you may need to head into the waves even if that direction is away from your destination. Your boat will always handle better headed into the waves.
If you must run parallel to the waves, plan in advance and turn rapidly to reverse direction between crests. Recognize that high waves are moving fast toward you. Never get parallel to waves in an inlet. By taking a course this is easier on your boat (and you), you may travel, actually, faster and arrive far less stressed (tired) than if you had traveled the most direct route.
Pat Schmidt is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more about the chapter and its courses, visit www.sancapboating.club or contact Commander@SanibelCaptivaSPS.org or 239-985-9472.