Cruise Control: Heavy Weather Sailing Advice

The wind is building. So are the waves. A great day on the water can turn into a problem, but with some foresight, calm thinking and methodical actions, sailing in strong wind can be an exhilarating experience. 

First, be aware of weather conditions. Preparation before sailing will indicate what kind of weather to expect. Thanks to satellite technology, weather forecasting is generally reliable. Good online services include the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel, SailFlow, Windy, and PredictWind. 

I check more than one source and frequently see differences in forecasts. After a day on the water, I go back and compare to see which forecast was most accurate. 

Once out sailing, keep a careful eye on the weather. In open water, you can see weather changes developing. Keeping a boat under control in strong winds is a function of setting the correct sails and steering a comfortable course.  

Trouble develops when boats pound hard in waves or when the helmsperson loses control. It’s important to concentrate while steering. Standing on the windward side is better than sitting. Keep an eye on the approaching puffs and waves. Turn the boat slowly to avoid pounding. Being subtle at the wheel is more comfortable for the crew.

Also keep a crewmember ready to adjust the trim of the sails. In a strong gust, be prepared to ease the sails to reduce heeling. The trimmer and helmsperson need to communicate about each other’s actions.

A third member of the crew needs to keep eyes outside the boat to watch for any problem such as a strong gust of wind, a big wave, a fouled line, a failing piece of equipment or a line dragging in the water.

Everyone should wear the appropriate clothing for the weather. Foul-weather gear, boots, gloves, a head covering, sunglasses, sunscreen, and life jackets or safety harnesses are a few necessary items in blustery conditions. When a crew is dressed for the weather, life on board is good. 

Also note that it is hard to hear when the wind is howling. Speak up and look directly at someone when making a comment. Ask for acknowledgment that the message has been understood.

If you are struggling, slow down the boat. Reducing sail area by taking a reef in the mainsail or setting a smaller jib—or even rolling it up—will make the boat easier to sail.  

I’ve had occasions where the best action was simply to stop sailing until the sails were set for the conditions. A boat needs to be balanced to maintain control. If the boat is spinning into the wind and there seems to be too much weather helm, you can adjust sail trim. 

Move the jib leads aft to open the top of the leech of the sail. This ­depowers the force of the sail. Drop the traveler to leeward. Steer a higher course to feather the boat into the wind. Your sails might luff a little, but the goal is to keep the boat from heeling over too far. A boat that heels dramatically slides sideways, and cavitation between the hull and rudder causes the boat to lose steerage. 

A common mistake is to overtrim the sails, which causes extreme heeling. Maintaining a consistent angle of heel keeps a boat under control. 

To help depower the sails, flatten them by tightening the outhaul and downhaul. Make the halyards tight to reduce the wrinkles in the sail. Tighten the backstay to keep the rig from moving. A tight backstay will also open the leech of the mainsail.  

Tacking in heavy air requires preparation. Let the crew know well in advance that you plan to maneuver. Make sure the traveler is cleated in the middle of the track so that it does not slam across. The sheets should be clear to run. Avoid letting the sail backwind in a way that puts pressure on the rig. 

Look for a soft spot in the waves to make your turn. Don’t turn the boat any faster than the trimmer can pull in the sail on the new tack. It helps to keep the bow on a high course so that the sail can be trimmed more easily.  

Once the sails are trimmed properly, head onto your desired course. I’m always amazed at how your perspective changes when you tack onto a new course. The sun comes from a different angle, as do the waves. There is a new view to study as you sail upwind.

Downwind sailing is fun, especially when you can ride the waves. In strong winds, avoid sailing directly downwind to prevent an accidental jibe. Sailing by the lee is a potential problem and also should be avoided. Reaching with the wind from the side is the most stable point of sail. It is also the fastest.  

Avoid letting water from the bow spill into an eased-off headsail. Sails can rip under great load. Again, sailing with a slightly eased sail or moving the headsail sheet aft will help ease the strain.  

Steering can be hard work on a heavy-air beam reach. Keep your neck and face clear so that you can feel what the wind is doing. 

Pick a reference point up ahead for which to steer. The reference can be ­another boat, a cloud, an object onshore or a buoy. Just like when sailing to windward, avoid overheeling, which creates leeway. 

Sailing with a spinnaker is a special treat in strong wind. The boat comes alive, and crew morale goes up. 

Still, setting a spinnaker should be done with care. Every crewmember should be assigned a specific job during the spinnaker hoist. 

The helmsperson sets the pace by steering a course to allow the spinnaker to be hoisted to the top of the mast before the sail fills. Once the sail is at the top of the mast and the sheets are ready for trimming, you can head the boat on your course.  

Jibing must also be done carefully. Start by making sure everyone on the crew knows their specific job. Look for a smooth set of waves to make the turn. The helmsperson needs to watch the sails carefully during the turn. If the turn is too quick, a spinnaker can get wrapped. If it is too slow, the sail can also twist.  

The key for the trimmers is to keep the clews separated. A slow turn is preferable so that there is adequate time to adjust the sail. Be careful not to ease out the sheets too far. 

Most important is to keep control of the mainsail. Be sure everyone ducks as the main boom crosses the boat. A mainsail trimmer can help by trimming the sails amidships. I also recommend easing the boom vang to keep the pressure off the rig during the maneuver. 

When it is time to take down the spinnaker, I have learned that it is always better to drop the sail a little early. The helmsperson bears off on a course so that the sail can be lowered behind the mainsail. Racing sailors have fancy techniques of taking down the spinnaker to windward as the boat rounds a turning mark, but for cruising sailors, safety and ease of handling are preferred.  

Gather the foot of the sail before ­lowering it to the deck. Many hands make light work. I prefer dropping the sail into the cockpit or middeck. Lower the halyard at a controlled rate so that the spinnaker does not fall into the water.

If the wind is expected to be strong, be sure everything is secured below the deck. Assign specific duties if an all-hands call is needed. If it is too windy to sail, simply take down the sails and head back to shore. 

But remember: When the breeze is up, careful sailing will make the day a joy.

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