yacht in storm

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Video: 6 of the best heavy weather sailing videos

• Harriett Ferris
• June 18, 2017

Watch our pick of the most dramatic heavy weather videos

This first video of heavy weather sailing is our from our Storm Sailing Series with Skip Novak . It was probably the most ambitious project Yachting World has ever undertaken: to head for Cape Horn with high latitudes doyen Skip Novak to make a series on Storm Sailing Techniques . Here is one of our most popular videos, rounding Cape Horn in Storm Force 10 conditions…

Hallberg Rassy are known for being heavy, sturdy, seaworthy boats.  This video shows Hallberg Rassy 48 Elysium in heavy weather off Cape Gris Nez, northern France in 2014. The yacht seems to be handling well, able to use a Raymarine lineair 7000 autopilot depsite the conditions.

This compilation is from the BT Global Challenge round the world race, a crewed race westabout the prevailing winds in one-design steel 72-footers. It took amateur crews upwind through the Southern Ocean from Cape Horn to New Zealand and from Australia to Cape Town. This footage shows some of the weather they experienced and what the crews endured – and watch out for some footage of the race leaders fighting it out under trysail during a severe storm in the Cook Strait in New Zealand.

Single-handed sailor Berthold Hinrichs sailing in Hinlopenstretet. It is the 150km long strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet in Svalbard, Norway and can be difficult to pass because of pack ice.

A fun compilation video of sailing in strong breeze including 2 wipeouts, 1 dismasting and 1 guy going for a swim…

Our last example comes from popular YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos , as the crew tackle a 50-knot gale on the crossing to Madagascar. Skip to 8:00 for the stormy stuff:

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the foremost international magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors.  Every month we have practical features to help you plan and prepare to realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge month by month with a subscription delivered to your door – and at a discount to the cover price.  S ee our latest offers now.

• How to handle a yacht in a storm — everything you need to know

In recent summers, severe storms accompanied by gales (or even hurricanes and tornadoes) have hit even the most popular sailing destinations in Europe, such as the Croatian and Greek coasts. To avoid your holiday turning into a nightmare, it's a good idea to know the most reliable way to ascertain whether a storm is approaching, how to prepare your boat and crew and how to sail safely into port in challenging windy conditions.

Cumulonimbus clouds

The ancient Romans believed that storms were the result of an angry Jupiter throwing lightning bolts fashioned in Vulcan’s forge. Native Americans believed it to be a thunderbird sent by the Great Spirit. Either way, people have always had great respect for storms and still do today. For sailors, every storm signifies heightened danger and a test of skill. That's why you need to know as early as possible how strong it is and when it will hit, and either avoid it (if you have time) or prepare your boat and crew to weather it safely.

Storm  avoidance  and preparation

Definitely don't wait until the storm clouds gather. What precautionary steps should be taken to secure and prepare the boat for unexpected situations such as a storm? 

Consistent  monitoring of conditions and weather

The skipper has to continuously monitor and evaluate forecasted and current weather and sea level conditions, preferably from multiple sources if possible. How should this be done?

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE SEA AND SKY… LITERALLY

The most basic type of observation since the time of ancient mariners is to keep a weather eye. It sounds simple, banal even, but it is the most reliable method of detecting meteorological conditions. The most important is cloud observation. This is because thunderstorms are linked to cumulonimbus clouds, commonly called storm clouds. If you see this form in the sky, expect a thunderstorm. Other important factors to keep an eye on are sea level and waves. The relationship between wind strength and sea level is elegantly illustrated in the Beaufort wind force scale.

STUDY SYNOPTIC WEATHER CHARTS

These maps show current weather conditions and include features such as atmospheric pressure patterns and fronts. This is a really essential resource for weather analysis. On a synoptic map you will find isobars, which are lines connecting points of equal barometric pressure, pressure patterns (areas of high and low pressure) and the position of fronts. Storms can be identified on these maps by isobars which are very close together , which indicate areas with strong winds.

Example of an isobar map.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SMART APPS

Modern times bring modern tools. Every sailor with a mobile phone or tablet uses a variety of apps from an Anchor Alarm to charts and weather forecasts. Among the most commonly used apps for storm, wind and gust forecasts is the Windy app . However, make sure you take everything with a pinch of salt as this is a mathematical weather model and nothing is 100 % accurate.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT LOCAL FORECASTS

It's also quite useful to check local websites and forecasts. When in Croatia, for example, you can check the Croatian Meteorological Institute's website, which has the latest weather forecasts . In Greece, you can find all the information you need here .

2.  Check  the  boat

Equipment and parts of the boat should be checked regularly to avoid any mishaps and having to do an initial check when conditions are worsening.

CHECK THE RIGGING

From the moment the charter company hands over the boat, as well as during the voyage, the skipper should take time to check the rigging to ensure that all shackles, hardware and even the mast are firmly attached to the deck, nothing is wobbling and there are no rigging screws missing, etc. 

KEEP LINES TIDY

Lines should be kept organised at all times. This will prevent them falling into the water and getting tangled in the propeller, or a crew member tripping over them in the cockpit.

SECURE THE TENDER AND LIFEBUOY

When sailing in a storm, but also under normal conditions, the inflatable dinghy must be firmly secured on deck. Of course, this is especially important during a storm. Towing the dinghy is not a good idea, as it is very difficult to pull it on board when it’s windy and the dinghy rope can easily get tangled up in the propeller.

A rescue island in a capsule mounted on the ship's deck.

3. A well-schooled crew 

As the saying goes: ‘’What is difficult in training will become easy in a battle.” This is especially true when practising emergency drill procedures like man overboard (MOB) or sailing in more severe weather conditions. Before you raise anchor, even inexperienced crew should be trained on the following points:

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Every crew member should know where to find life jackets, harnesses, first aid kit and other safety equipment such as lifebuoys, flares, foghorn, etc. 

MOB RESCUE PROCEDURES

The MOB (man overboard) procedure can be considered part of the safety equipment. Every crew member should know each step of this rescue procedure and know where the MOB button is located on the boat. A good skipper always practises the MOB procedure with the crew immediately after setting sail, using a fender to represent a drowning person, for example. In addition, they will recommend how best to prevent similar accidents.

PRACTICE HOISTING STORM SAILS

Good seamanship demands that you practice hoisting storm sails. Be honest and admit who among you has raised storm sails and has experience with them. If you don't feel like getting the storm kit out, at least see where it’s located on the boat and let the crew know.

USING THE MARINE RADIO

Obviously all crew members will not have a VHF licence, but that does not mean they shouldn’t know how to use the radio at all. At the very least, show them how to turn the radio on, how to talk into it and how to tune the channels. It will come in handy in an emergency.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Using the radio correctly and efficiently can save your life and the lives of other crew members. For captains this should be a given, but if you want to master this skill as a crew member, we recommend taking a   marine radio SRC course .

HOW TO AVOID BEING SICK

A very practical precaution against  seasickness is to put one crew member in charge of ensuring that everyone gets regular food and drink . The worst sufferers of seasickness are those who haven't eaten properly and whose stomachs are naturally a bit "anxious". It is also better to eat smaller portions regularly than to starve for hours and then stuff yourself. If you expect conditions to worsen at sea, avoid heavy fried foods and large amounts of meat, which take longer to digest.

Pr eparing for a storm

If we know a storm is coming, or is almost upon us, we need to take several steps to ensure the safety of the boat, crew and surroundings.

Preparing the boat

The boat must be prepared for the worst and the skipper must count with the fact that the situation can turn on a dime. It’s therefore essential to have everything prepared in advance in order to limit the number of tasks that need to be carried out during a storm, when the boat is being tossed about like a cork on the waves. This will ensure that there is no, or very minimal, damage to the boat.

TIDY THE SALOON AND CABINS

Nothing should be left lying around in the saloon that could break or injure someone. This applies not only when sailing in challenging conditions, but sailing in general. Make sure to calmly delegate to one crew member the task of putting everything away in the saloon cabinets, washing and putting away the dishes, making sure there are no knives left on the galley counter and the oven is secured in case of heel. Also tidy up in the cabins. Backpacks or other items lodged behind doors, for example, can prevent them from opening and you may not be able to get into your cabin.

EVERYTHING OFF THE DECK!

Watch out for fishing rods protruding off the boat, they could fall or come loose during a storm and you don't want a fishing line tangled in the propeller. Also have the crew remove any clothes, towels or sheets drying on the railing. A flyaway towel is not exactly a maritime disaster, but the fewer things a yachtsman has to deal with in a storm, the better.

TAKE DOWN THE BIMINI AND TIGHTEN THE SPRAYHOOD

Make sure the sprayhood is correctly and securely tied to the deck so that it does not come loose during a storm, start to billow in the wind and obstruct the view. The sprayhood is designed to protect the crew from waves breaking on the bow, so can withstand strong winds, but the bimini can be blown off in those conditions and should be stowed.

CLOSE ALL HATCHES 

Entrust one crew member to close all windows on the boat. The last thing you want is to have your cabin flooded with water which has splashed over the bow.

STOCK THE COCKPIT WITH SUPPLIES

If you have a table with storage space in the cockpit, stock it with drinks, food (energy bars are recommended), as well as a headlamp and keep the GPS inside the table or in the cockpit locker. This means you can avoid having to continually go inside in really heavy weather.

CLOSE WASTE VALVES

If there is a risk of the boat heeling, we recommend closing all waste valves in the bathrooms. Otherwise there is a risk of the contents of the waste tank spilling into the bathroom. You can usually find the valves under the floor, but have the charter company show you their location at check-in.

DON’T FORGET TO KEEP A LOGBOOK

Don't forget to make an entry in the logbook when you change course and when conditions change. It is especially important to record the exact time, position and course in case you’ll need to deduce the boat's position and when calling a Mayday.

Crew preparation

It is often said among sailors that the boat itself can withstand almost anything. Heavy weather causes the biggest problems for members of the crew, or even the captain themselves. So what do you need to do to ensure that everything goes well for those on board?

KEEPING WARM IS KEY

Make sure the crew has warm, waterproof clothing close at hand. It's also a good idea to turn on the boat's heater so that the crew have somewhere to go to keep warm in a storm. A thermos of tea is also a smart move.

If your boat has a safety line, attach it to the deck along the side of the boat. Take  life jackets and harnesses out and place them in the saloon. Life jackets are sometimes hidden under the mattresses in the cabins and you'll have a hard time poking around in there during a storm. 

LICENCE AND INSURANCE

You should bear in mind that most skipper's licences are only valid up to a certain distance from the coast, as well as in certain weather conditions. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do not take your boat further than your licence allows, as you will not be able to claim insurance if something goes wrong.

YACHTING.COM  TIP: If you want to sleep soundly on your sailing trip, we recommend arranging  deposit insurance  when chartering your boat. This can save you lots of money in case you scratch the boat or encounter some other problem. Check out  the most common reasons for losing your deposit .

When the storm breaks

You did everything you could to make sure you detected the storm before it hit, you moved to a safe place, you secured the boat and crew. But what do you do when everything happens too fast and the storm catches you off guard at sea?

STORM SAILS

To keep the boat under control at all times, hoisting storm sails (aka trysails) is a good idea. These sails are made of stronger material and have a smaller surface area than a traditional genoa and mainsail.

STORM TACTICS

In the yachting world there are as many theories on how to avoid a storm as there are skippers (and there are a lot of them). There is no magic recipe for sailing safely in a storm that works 100 % of the time and the following tips are really just for inspiration. Every skipper has to find their own way.

HIDE, BUT WHERE?

This seems like the easiest option, of course, but don’t be fooled. Generally speaking, if you have time, space and a bay nearby, hide from the storm there. However, this does not apply when the expected wind direction in the bay is unfavourable, meaning that you will not be sheltered from strong winds coming from that direction. It also does not apply when at anchor, which is riskier in a storm than docking your boat in a harbour with moorings. If you have the opportunity and time to sail to a marina, then definitely do it. 

There is an old mariner's saying that goes: "In a storm it is better to stay at sea," or "Sailor, protect your ship from the shore and she will protect you from the sea." This, of course, may or may not be true, but it’s fair to say that the boat will not run into anything on the open sea and it is less dangerous than being in a cove surrounded by rocks. But deciding whether to shelter from a storm in a cove versus sailing to open sea is at the captain's discretion.

A skipper may have several reasons for heaving-to. Either the storm is so strong that he can no longer sail effectively, the waves are so big that the boat is rising and falling uncomfortably, or everyone, including the helmsman, is so exhausted that they don't have the strength to man the boat. How should it be done? Position the boat diagonally across the wind and waves, let her drift to leeward and turn the rudder upwind. Of course, it is imperative that you have plenty of room to sail. Sailors find this method a comfortable way to ride out a storm.

SAILING DOWNWIND

Did you know that in really strong winds you can sail downwind under bare poles? However, the danger of downwind sailing is that when the waves are big, the bow of the boat can get buried in between the waves.

YACHTING.COM TIP:  Careful! Never position your boat broadside to the waves! The boat must be positioned diagonally across the waves. Today's modern sailboats are almost unsinkable. Thanks to the greater keel weight, they won't be blown over by the wind. But a wave breaking broadside, however, might well manage to capsize a boat. 

6 principles of sailing in a storm

• Maintain calm
• Crew in life jackets and harnesses 
• Don’t be afraid to reef
• Close the deck hatch
• Track position
• Prevent seasickness

1. MAINTAIN CALM

In addition to being a manager, leader, driver and commander, the captain is also a psychologist. As skipper, if you act like you don’t know what you’re doing, lose your temper and spread anxiety, your crew will become nervous and make mistakes. It's extremely difficult, but try not to show that you are afraid or that you don't know what to do, even when your life really is on the line.

2. LIFE JACKETS AND HARNESSES FOR CREW

Life jackets should be worn by all crew members whenever you set sail. However, we know from experience that this doesn’t happen. Nevertheless, in a storm, wearing life jackets should be a matter of course, as should the use of harnesses and safety lines when moving around the deck.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REEF

There's a saying among sailors, "If you’re thinking of reefing, reef. If you’re thinking of hoisting the sail again, have a coffee and then think again." That about sums it up. It's not gutless to reef early, but it's a real bummer to reef too late, when it can’t be done properly or the sail gets ruined.

4. ALWAYS CLOSE THE D ECK HATCH

In a storm, waves can go over the bow and unless you want to pump out litres of water below deck, make sure everyone knows to close the deck hatch.

5. LOCATION TRACKING

The skipper needs to know where he is at all times. At regular intervals, write down your position and plot it on  a nautical chart . This will prevent you from getting disorientated and possibly running aground as a result of reduced visibility during a storm. In extreme cases, lightning can also strike the boat and blow out all the electrical equipment, including the navigation system. When this happens, you’ll appreciate having plotted your position on a traditional paper nautical chart.

6. SEASICKNESS

There is a lot of advice out there on how to cope with seasickness . Some of the most popular methods include focusing on the horizon , making yourself busy (steering, for example), staying well hydrated , consuming ginger or anti-nausea medicine ( Kinedryl, Torecan ) and not going down to the cabin when it’s choppy. Different things work for different people, but it is impossible to completely prevent seasickness every time. Even the most experienced sailor can get sick sometimes.

Anchoring in a storm

CHOOSING A PLACE TO SPEND THE NIGHT DURING A STORM

Find a suitable bay. But be warned, as we already mentioned, the bay should be oriented so that the expected wind at night carries you out of the bay towards the open sea, not into the bay where you might hit reefs . You also have to take into account that if it were blowing really hard towards the shore, you could be trapped in the bay and unable to get out even if using an engine. Plus, the wind in a storm may not blow in the same direction for the entire duration of the tempest. Did you know that a gust can increase wind speed by up to three times?

CHECK THE ANCHOR WHEN IT’S UNDERWATER

Don't be lax, make sure you check that your anchor is properly set, holding tight and positioned according to which direction the wind is blowing in. The same goes for the buoy: check the rope or chain that the buoy is attached to as they are often abraded. 

FENDERS OUT

Many sailors have found it pays off to leave the fenders out as a precaution. You should try it too. You'll prevent potential damage if your boat accidentally breaks free in the bay and drifts into another vessel.

ACCESSIBLE ANCHOR WELL

Count with the possibility that there may be times when you may need to sail away quickly at night. Therefore you need to have easy access to the anchor well. Do not leave anything on the bow that could roll and block access to the anchor well and the anchor windlass. We know from experience that dinghies or paddleboards often like to get in the way.

TWO ANCHOR ALARMS 

You should automatically use the anchor alarm when at anchor regardless of whether there is a storm or not. However, when a storm is expected, be sure to set two alarms, perhaps one on the chartplotter in the cockpit and an anchor alarm app on your mobile phone as back-up.  

NIGHT WATCHES ARE ESSENTIAL 

If you don't want to experience an unpleasant wake-up call, put your crew on night watch. Crew on watch must ensure there is no anchor drag which could cause the boat to drift onto the rocks. 

KEEP A CLEAR HEAD

If you are expecting a big storm, abstain from alcohol. Piloting a boat is like driving a car — you’ll make better, more effective decisions with a clear head.

In addition to a good ship, we will also provide you with an experienced captain. We know several of them.

Denisa Nguyenová

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Wild Weather: Stories of sailing into the storm

Sam Fortescue separates sailors’ yarns from the real-life tales of weathering storms in the world’s great oceans.

Ask skippers about the worst conditions they’ve faced under sail and they’ll shrug. “A good sailor knows when to stay in port,” many will reply. When I ask circumnavigator Brian Thompson for his tips on staying safe in heavy weather, his first words are that modern weather routing and faster hulls mean no one need ever find themselves exposed to more than 35 knots of wind. And yet… He still tells a tale of surviving 70-knot winds and mountainous seas off Cape Horn. There are various reasons why a yacht might be caught in weather not of their choosing: gear failure, for one, or the pressing schedule of a chartered boat for another. Saying you’ve never been caught in bad weather is a little like saying you’ve never run aground: either it’s not strictly true, or it’s just a matter of time. The key is how to handle the challenge when extreme conditions overtake. Here’s how five very different sailors weathered the storm.

Yacht : Bahrain

Team : Pindar

Type : IMOCA 60

Built : 2007

Builder : Cookson Boats , Auckland

In the annals of ocean racing, there are few more storied names than that of Brian Thompson. He set a round-the-world sailing record twice and has circumnavigated non-stop four times – more than any other Briton. Since his first transatlantic race in his own 10-metre trimaran in 1992, he has sailed mainly in multihulls, but in 2011-12 he took on the ultimate sailing challenge: the Vendée Globe. This non-stop, solo round-the-world race was accomplished in an IMOCA 60 – a super-light, fast monohull that requires experience and concentration to push hard. Having already weathered the Southern Ocean, he didn’t react immediately when he received an unprecedented phone call from Race HQ warning of an approaching hurricane.

“I’d just gone around Cape Horn, passing Staten Island [Argentina] through a little 50-mile channel. It was blowing around 25 knots. I got a call from the race committee [relaying info from] a Chilean aeroplane passing overhead. They said: ‘I think you should turn around because it’s going to be 80 knots – much more than forecast. Go back behind the island and wait there.’”

Yacht : Velsheda

Type : J-Class

Built : 1933

Builder : Camper & Nicholsons

Despite her 86 years, Velsheda is still every bit the high-strung race boat that she was designed to be. And fortunately so, because her schedule of Mediterranean and Caribbean racing requires her to take on the North Atlantic regularly. Her young skipper Barney Henshaw-Depledge remembers one occasion when Velsheda was waiting for a weather window to cross from Horta in the Azores to Falmouth in the UK: “The forecast was showing a slow-moving low-pressure system and cold front approaching from the west. Once this passed us, we expected favourable conditions on entry to the Bay of Biscay.”

Henshaw-Depledge set off cautiously with a double-reefed main and staysail. “I plotted a more easterly course to gain some miles away from the approaching low. The associated cold front with the low-pressure system caught up with us after two days and in preparation we had changed to a trysail and storm jib, expecting wind up to 35 to 40 knots. We had a comfortable sail plan and were fetching along at 13 to 14 knots of boat speed – fast for our displacement hull.” But as morning came, and with the wind now gusting to 45 knots and whipping up big seas, Henshaw-Depledge felt that enough was enough. “I decided that the yacht [and crew] were sufficiently tired of barrelling along in a now substantial sea state and I opted to ‘heave-to’, which I’d never tried before on this yacht.

“We gybed over, held the storm jib on the high side, put the rudder to leeward, and trimmed the trysail accordingly for balance. With her long keel, we sat at a very comfortable angle to the oncoming sea and we waited four hours for the front to pass.” This age-old sailor’s trick bought time for the crew to rest as the boat’s motion calmed as soon as she heaved-to. “Later that day, we set one reef in the mainsail and the Yankee, then enjoyed good sailing conditions all the way into Falmouth,” he says. “After this experience, I would not hesitate to heave-to again should the conditions require it.”

Yacht : Salperton IV

Type : 45m Dubois sloop

Built : 2009

Builder : Fitzroy Yachts

Barry Houghton is no stranger to the Pacific Ocean, having had two sailing yachts built in New Zealand, which he sailed back to Europe. His famous Ed Dubois-designed sloop Salperton IV was one of these, and after cruising her in the region, he sent her on to the southern tip of Chile with the intention of exploring the Beagle Channel. His skipper during the crossing was James Johnson, who shares the story. “The weather hit us without warning, with winds of 50 knots,” he says. “We were at Point Nemo, the place on the planet that’s furthest away from land.” The boat was soon surfing down the huge swell, pushing on her top speed of 26 knots. “That’s when you’re not under control,” says Johnson.

A stuck batten pocket ripped the 579-square-metre mainsail during reefing and after wrestling it down and hoisting the staysail in its place, he says, “we still did 12 to 13 knots.” Calculation is needed to stay safe in these conditions. Too fast and the boat can lose control, but too slow is also dangerous. “We have to stay on one tack or the other,” says Johnson. “It’s the breaking waves that everyone worries about. When you can’t go quick enough, you can get swamped.” The crew took short three-hour watches on the helm, hand steering through the storm. There would normally be two or three on each watch to handle the boat, but during the really rough patches all hands were on deck. “It was quite impressive,” says Johnson. “I’m not sure I want to do it again.”

Yacht : Indigo

Type : 25m Simonis sloop

Built : 1996

Builder : Unknown

Malko Marchio now skippers large motor yachts, but he remembers a particularly fraught passage as a deckhand on a 25-metre sloop named Indigo . They were only a few days out of Cape Town, heading for the Caribbean, when they encountered mountainous seas. “The ocean was huge. It was as if we were sailing over mountains and then descending into valleys. It was an unreal sight. I recall once I had taken the wheel for my four-hour watch that when we descended into the trough it would get eerily still with no wind. Then as the vessel got to the top of the massive swell the wind would suddenly fill the sails quite violently and we would accelerate over the huge crest of the swell and then back down into the still trough.”

He remembers being told by the skipper to keep the spinnaker flying through the night watches, unless the wind exceeded 40 knots. At one point the wind jumped from 38 knots to well over 40 knots. When Marchio returned to the wheel after rousing the skipper, he remembers seeing the spinnaker stretched oddly in the lashing rain. “The next thing, we went flying over the crest of a wave and the bow pounded. I watched the spinnaker tear from the top all the way to the bottom. It was flapping around and there were some crazy sounds.”

The skipper sent Marchio and another crew member up to the bow to recover the spinnaker remnants. He remembers seeing the mate’s hand get tangled in the sail. “The wind inflated some of the spinnaker and the next thing, he was airborne with one hand still wrapped in the sail. I jumped to him as he hit the deck with his harness yanking him down. Just as I freed his arm, the spinnaker inflated and with a snap came fully tight. He almost had his arm ripped off, but we managed to get the entire spinnaker aboard.”

The boat made it to Grenada, with the hapless Marchio firmly in the skipper’s bad books. “For the next few days we had duties after our watches to sew the hole closed,” he remembers.

Yacht : Leopard 3

Type : 30m Farr Design

Builder : McConaghy Boats

As captain of various Leopard yachts for more than 20 years, Chris Sherlock has seen more extreme weather under sail than most. He holds the record for the fastest monohull crossing of the Atlantic from west to east – set in 2008. But one occasion stands out. He was perhaps 15 hours off New York at the end of an easy passage up from Antigua aboard Leopard 3 in 2009, when the weather took a sudden turn for the worse. “We were sailing comfortably with a J4 and trysail [prepared for] heading into a low before getting to Sandy Hook lighthouse and our entry to the Hudson River,” says Sherlock. “We were hit by white squall, where the wind violently rises within seconds, and it blew 78 knots,” he says with a shudder. “We lost the J4 sail [in a knockdown], and once we recovered, we quickly went to bare poles dropping the trysail.”

At first, they ran ahead of the wind, but even without a scrap of sail up, they still had too much boat speed. “Then the waves were getting too big, so we put the bow up a bit and found a comfortable [heading] that kept us away from the land.” Comfortable is clearly a relative term as the boat was still making 10 knots through the water. “She was even doing six or seven knots upwind with bare poles – around 70 degrees true. We were going too quick everywhere.” But the ordeal wasn’t over. “Paul Standbridge was driving, with me in the nav station, when a wave broke over the boat in a current eddy in the eye of the low,” he continues. “Paul could only see the mast, with water almost up to the boom.

This 100-foot supermaxi was fully swamped. He could see lights through the water, and everyone clipped on was floating above deck. From the nav desk it looked like a goldfish bowl through the hatch.” Sherlock remembers how the boat was nearly rolled at one point. “We had 40 degrees of keel cant on bare poles, then a wave caught us. I was in the nav seat and the boat hit 30 degrees of heel. At some point the bulb must have been in mid-air.” The conditions took a toll on the crew, if not the boat herself. Sherlock says he considered trying to make things more comfortable by heaving to, but there was too much wind to have any sails up. It lasted for several days before they could finally limp into port. “In my 300,000 nautical miles sailed offshore, without a doubt this was the toughest few days I’ve ever had.”

More stories

Most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

Storm Tactics for Heavy Weather Sailing

• By Bill Gladstone
• Updated: November 15, 2021

Storm tactics can be roughly defined as the ways to handle a storm once you’re in it. There are several proven choices, all of which intend to keep either the bow or stern pointing toward the waves. No one tactic will work best for all sailboats in all conditions. As skipper, it will be up to you to consider the best approach for your vessel, procure the right equipment, and practice with it before it’s needed.

Here we look at some active storm options that might work when conditions are still manageable and you want to actively control and steer the boat. Crew fatigue is a serious consideration when using active tactics.

Forereaching

Although not often mentioned as a tactic, it can be highly effective for combating brief squalls or moderate-duration storms. Here’s how to set up your boat for forereaching: Roll the jib away (especially if you have a large roller-furler genoa set); reef the main down to the second or third reef position; and sail on a closehauled course, concentrating on keeping the boat flat. It will be a comfortable ride, everyone will be relatively happy, and you will be making 2 to 3 knots on a close reach. Check your course over ground because increased leeway will cause your track to be much lower. This is a possibly useful tactic to claw off a lee shore. Note that not all boats will be at ease forereaching, so you’d better experiment with it ahead of time. Catamarans in particular will lurch and demonstrate much-increased leeway.

Motorsailing

Sometimes it’s necessary from a time or safety perspective to stow the jib and fire up the iron genny instead. Motorsailing lets you point high and make progress to windward. Motoring with no sails will not work well (or at all, in some cases), particularly in big seas, but a reefed mainsail will provide lateral stability and extra power. Trim the main, head up high enough to control your angle of heel, set the autopilot, and keep a lookout. Fuel consumption makes this a short-term option.

Here’s a tip: Make sure cooling water is pumping through the engine. On some sailboats, the water intake lifts out of the water when heeled. A further difficulty is that the pitching boat might stir sediment off the bottom of the fuel tank, which can, in turn, clog the fuel filter.

Running off and drogues

Sailing under storm jib and a deeply reefed mainsail or storm trysail provides the most control. If you don’t have storm sails, a reefed jib will give you the power to steer and control your boat in the waves. The boat must be steered actively to maintain control because no autopilot will be able to do this.

If excessive speed is a problem and steering becomes difficult, towing a drogue will slow the boat. A retrieval line should be set from the head of the drogue for when it is time to bring it back on board. If you don’t have a drogue, trailing warps might help slow the boat.

In a storm of longer duration, or when conditions become otherwise unmanageable, the situation might call for a skipper to consider passive storm tactics. When you are exhausted and you just want to quiet down the boat and maybe get some rest, there are other boathandling options available, depending on the sea state and the ­equipment you have onboard.

Heaving to can be an excellent heavy-weather tactic, though some boats fare better than others. Wouldn’t it be great if during a heavy-weather episode you could just slow everything way down? Imagine a short respite with a reduced amount of motion from the relentless pitching and pounding. A chance to regroup, make a meal, or check over the boat. Well, you can.

Heaving to allows you to “park” in open water. Hove-to trim has the jib trimmed aback (that is, to the wrong side), the reefed main eased, and the helm lashed down to leeward. The easiest way to do this is to trim the jib sheet hard and then tack the boat, leaving the sheet in place. Trimmed this way, the jib pushes the bow down. As the bow turns off the wind, the main fills and the boat moves forward. With the helm lashed down, the rudder turns the boat toward the wind. As the main goes soft, the jib once again takes over, pushing the bow down. The main refills, and the rudder pushes the bow into the wind again.

RELATED: Safety at Sea: Mental Preparations Contribute to Positive Outcomes

Achieving this balance will require some fine-­tuning, depending on the wind strength, your boat design and the sails you have. You might, for example, need to furl the jib most of the way in to match the wind strength. Trimming the main will ensure that the bow is at an angle to the waves, ideally pointing 40 to 60 degrees off. Modern fin-keeled boats do not heave to as well as more-traditional full-keel designs.

When hove to, the boat won’t actually stop. It will lie, as noted, about 40 to 60 degrees off the wind, sailing at 1 or 2 knots, and making leeway (sliding to leeward). Beware of chafe. When hove to, the jib’s clew or sheet will be up against the shroud and might experience wear damage. Monitor this regularly, and change the position of the sheet occasionally. You might not want to heave to for an extended time.

Deploying a sea anchor

A sea anchor is a small parachute deployed on a line off the bow. A sea anchor helps keep the bow pointed up into the waves so the boat won’t end up beam to the seas. Light displacement boats will pitch violently in high seas, and chafe and damage might occur to the bow, so setting up a bridle and leading it aft through a snatch block will allow the boat to lie at an angle to the waves, providing a more comfortable ride. A big concern when using a sea anchor is the load on the rudder as the waves slam the boat backward. Chafe on the sea-anchor bridle is another big factor, so the bridle must be tended regularly.

Remember, if you and your vessel are caught out in heavy-weather conditions, as a skipper, you must show leadership by setting an example, watching over your crew, offering relief and help to those who need it, and giving encouragement. Remember too, discomfort and fear can lead to fatigue, diminished performance, and poor decision-making. Don’t compromise the safety of the boat and crew to escape discomfort.

Few people get to ­experience the full fury of a storm. Advances in weather forecasting, routing and communications greatly improve your odds of avoiding heavy weather at sea, but you’re likely to experience it at some point, so think ahead of time about the tactics and tools available to keep your crew and vessel safe.

Heavy weather might not be pleasant, but it is certainly memorable, and it will make you a better sailor. Take the time to marvel at the forces of nature; realize that the boat is stronger than you think.

Happy sailing, and may all your storms be little ones!

This story is an edited excerpt from the American Sailing Association’s recently released manual, Advanced Cruising & Seamanship , by Bill Gladstone, produced in collaboration with North U. It has been edited for design purposes and style. You can find out more at asa.com.

• More: Anchoring , How To , print nov 2021 , safety at sea , seamanship
• More How To

3 Clutch Sails For Peak Performance

It’s Time to Rethink Your Ditch Kit

8 Ways to Prevent Seasickness

How To De-Winterize Your Diesel Engine

C-Map Updates North America Charts

New to the Fleet: Italia Yachts 12.98

St. Vincent Court Orders Deportation For Hijacking Suspects

The Moorings: The Journey is the Destination

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Florida Travel + Life
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Cruising World may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Cruising World. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

A Complete Guide To Sailing In A Storm

Sailing in a storm can be a challenging experience but with the right preparation and techniques, it can be navigated safely in most instances.

While it's best to avoid storms when sailing, there are times when storms cannot be avoided.

To sail in a storm:

• Prepare the sailboat for a storm
• Monitor the weather conditions
• Adjust the sailboat to stabilize the vessel in the storm
• Maintain communication with the coast guard

The number one priority when sailing in a storm is safely navigating through the water during these bad weather conditions.

1. Prepare The Sailboat For A Storm

The first step of sailing in a storm is to prepare the sailboat for storm weather conditions.

To prepare a sailboat for a storm:

• Check the rigging & sails : Assess the rigging and sails overall condition. Ensure they are in full working order with no issues with maneuverability or rips in the sails. There should be a storm sail onboard too in preparation for sailing in the storm
• Ensure safety equipment is onboard : Ensure there are liferafts, life jackets for everyone onboard, life buoys, heaving lines, sailing jackets, flashlights, flares, VHF radios, chartplotter/GPS, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers
• Remove the boat canvas/bimini top : In preparation for sailing in a storm, remove the boat canvas/bimini top to prevent it from getting damaged or destroyed or causing injury to passengers onboard ‍
• Ensure loose items are tied down : Any loose items like lines on the deck should be tied down and secured before sailing in a storm. Loose items can become dislodged and damaged or cause injury to passengers onboard if they are not secured during a storm
• Ensure the sailboat's engine is in great condition : Ensure the sailboat's motor is in perfect condition with sufficient oil and fuel to operate during the storm

Preparing the sailboat for a storm will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. This timeframe will vary depending on the size of the vessel and the amount of equipment needed to be purchased and installed onboard.

In preparing for sailing in a storm, there is certain sailboat equipment needed. The equipment needed for sailing in a storm includes a storm sail, heaving lines, sailing jackets, life jackets, life buoys, liferafts, first aid kit, Chartplotter/GPS, fire extinguishers, VHF radio, and flares.

The benefits of preparing the sailboat for a storm are a sailor will be prepared for any issues caused by the storm and a sailor will have the necessary safety equipment to help keep everyone onboard safe during the storm.

One downside of preparing the sailboat for a storm is it can be costly (over $500) especially if the sailor does not have all the right equipment needed to withstand the stormy weather. However, this is a small downside.

2. Monitor The Weather Conditions

The second step of sailing in a storm is to monitor the weather conditions regularly.

To monitor the weather conditions:

• Connect to the VHF radio weather channel : Connect to channel 16 on the VHF radio as this channel provides storm warnings and urgent marine information for boaters
• Use a chartplotter : Modern chartplotters will have marine weather data for boaters to monitor the weather conditions and check windspeeds, rainfall levels, wave height and other relevant marine weather data
• Check a marine weather forecast provider website : If you have internet access on the sailing trip, connect to a marine weather provider for marine weather forecast information in your area

In sailing, weather conditions are considered a storm when the wind speed is 28 knots or higher and the wave heights are 8ft or higher. Other characteristics of stormy weather when sailing is poor visibility with visibility ranges of under half a mile (0.8km or less) and heavy rain with a precipitation rate of at least 0.1 inches (2.5 millimeters) per hour.

It can take approximately 3 to 6 hours for a storm to fully develop when sailing. However, for larger storms, it can take over 2 days for the storm to fully develop.

Monitoring the weather should be done every 20 minutes when sailing in a storm to get up-to-date information on potential nearby locations with better weather to sail to.

The benefit of regularly monitoring the weather conditions is a sailor will be more prepared for the weather that lies ahead and the sailor will be able to make adjustments to their sailing route to help avoid the bad weather.

3. Adjust The Sailboat To Stabilize The Vessel

The third step of sailing in a storm is to adjust the sailboat to stabilize the vessel.

When sailing through the storm, reef the sails to reduce the stress and load on the mast and sails, attach the storm sails, turn the vessel until the wave and wind direction are blowing from the stern of the sailboat, i.e. the wind is blowing downwind. Carefully tack the sailboat slowly until the boat is in the downwind position. Pointing the sailboat downwind is not recommended if the sailboat is near land as it could cause the boat to run into the land.

Alternatively, if the storm is very bad, sailors can perform a "heaving to" storm sailing maneuver.

To perform the heave-to storm sailing maneuver:

• Turn the bow of the boat into the wind : This involves turning the sailboat so that the bow faces into the wind. This will cause the boat to lose forward momentum and begin to drift backward
• Adjust the sails : Depending on the size and configuration of your boat, you may need to adjust the sails in different ways. In general, you will want to position the sails so that they are catching less wind and are working against each other. This will help to slow the boat's drift and keep it from moving too quickly
• Adjust the rudder : You may need to adjust the rudder to keep the boat from turning too far or too fast. In general, you will want to angle the rudder slightly to one side to counteract the wind and keep the boat on a stable course
• Monitor the boat's drift : Once you have heaved-to, you will need to monitor the boat's drift and make small adjustments as needed to maintain your position. This may involve adjusting the sails, rudder, or other factors as conditions change

The heaving to maneuver is used to reduce a sailboat's speed and maintain a stationary position. This is often done in rough weather to provide the crew with a stable platform to work from or to wait out a storm.

This sailing maneuver will adjust the sailboat and should stabilize the vessel in the storm.

The benefits of adjusting the sailboat position in a storm are it will help to stabilize the boat, it will improve safety, it will reduce the crew's fatigue as the crew will not be operating with a boat at higher speeds, it will help maintain control of the sailboat, and it will reduce stress on the sailboat and the rigging system.

Depending on the size of the sailboat, how bad the weather conditions are, and a sailor's experience level, adjusting the sailboat to stabilize it in the storm should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

4. Maintain Communication With The Coast Guard

The fourth step of sailing in a storm is to maintain communication with the coast guard.

This is particularly important if the storm is over Beaufort Force 7 when sailing is much harder.

To maintain communication with the coast guard during a storm:

• Understand the important VHF channels : During sailing in a storm, be aware of VHF international channel 16 (156.800 MHz) which is for sending distress signals
• Ensure there are coast guard contact details on your phone : Put the local coast guard contact details into your phone. These contact details are not substitutes for using the VHF channel 16 distress signal or dialing 911. These contact details should only be contacted if all else fails

Contacting the coast guard takes less than 1 minute to complete and they are fast to respond in case of an emergency caused by the storm.

The benefits of maintaining communication with the coast guard during a storm are it will help improve safety, the coast guard will be able to provide real-time alerts, and it will provide navigation assistance as the coast guard has access to the latest navigation technology and can guide you through the storm's hazardous areas such as shallow waters or areas with a strong current.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sailing In A Storm

Below are the most commonly asked questions about sailing in a storm.

What Should You Do If You're Caught Sailing In A Storm With Your Boat?

if you're caught sailing in a storm with your boat, you should reef the sails, attach the storm sails and tack the vessel slowly until the wave and wind direction are blowing from the stern of the sailboat.

Should You Drop An Anchor When Sailing In A Storm?

Dropping an anchor can be a useful technique to help keep a boat steady during a storm. However, whether or not to drop an anchor depends on a variety of factors including the size and type of the boat, the severity of the storm, the water depth, and the type of bottom (i.e., mud, sand, or rock).

If you are in a smaller boat that is being pushed around by the waves, dropping an anchor can help keep the boat oriented in a particular direction, reducing the boat's drift. Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of capsizing or being thrown onto a rocky shore.

However, if the storm is very severe with high winds and waves, the anchor may not be enough to hold the boat in place, and it may put undue stress on the anchor and the boat's attachment points. In such a case, it is usually better to try to navigate to a sheltered area or to deploy sea anchors that can help reduce the boat's drift.

It is also essential to be careful when anchoring in a storm as it can be challenging to set the anchor correctly and the wind and waves can cause the anchor to drag.

Is It Safe To Sail In A Storm?

Sailing in a storm should be avoided due to the lack of safety. However, experienced sailors can sail in storms up to Beaufort Force 7 if required. Beaufort Force 8 and higher storms are extremely dangerous to sail in and should be avoided at all costs.

How Do You Improve Safety When Sailing In A Storm?

To improve safety when sailing in a storm, wear a life jacket, hook everyone onboard up to a safety line or harness so they don't fall overboard, reef the sail to improve the sailboat's stability, and understand where all the safety equipment is onboard and how to operate it in case of an emergency.

What Type Of Storm Should Not Be Sailed In?

A sailor should not sail in any storm but especially a storm from Beaufort Force 8 to Beaufort Force 12 as it is considered to be too dangerous.

Can You Sail Through A Hurricane?

While sailors have successfully sailed through hurricanes in the past, sailing through a hurricane should be avoided at all costs. Sailing in hurricane weather is too dangerous and could result in loss of life.

What Are The Benefits Of Sailing In A Storm?

The benefits of sailing in a storm are:

• Improves sailing skills : Sailing in a storm will force sailors to improve their sailing skills and increase their ability to handle rough seas
• Exciting experience : For some sailors, the thrill of navigating through a storm can be an exhilarating experience that they enjoy. The adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment of successfully sailing through a storm can be incredibly rewarding
• Greater appreciation for the power of nature : Sailing in a storm can provide a unique perspective on the power of nature. It can be humbling and awe-inspiring to witness the raw force of the wind and waves and this can lead to a greater appreciation for the natural world

It's important to note that these potential benefits should never come at the expense of safety. For the majority of sailors, it is smarter to avoid sailing in a storm and instead wait for the bad weather to pass.

What Are The Risks Of Sailing In A Storm?

The risks of sailing in a storm are:

• Boat sinking/capsizing : With high winds over 28 knots and waves and swells at heights over 8ft, there is a risk of the sailboat capsizing and sinking
• People drowning : High winds and high waves during a storm can cause people onboard to fall overboard and drown
• Loss of communication : Bad storm weather can cause the sailboat's communication system to stop working making it much harder to signal for help if needed
• Boat damage : Storm weather can damage the boat including the sails, mast, rigging system, lines, Bimini top, etc.
• Poor visibility : Sea spray, large waves over 8ft, and heavy winds over 28 knots can reduce the visibility to under 500 meters in some instances making it difficult for navigation
• People being injured : People onboard can get injured due to the increase and sharp movements caused by the storm

What Should Be Avoided When Sailing In A Storm?

When sailing in a storm, avoid:

• Getting caught sailing in the storm in the first place : Ideally, a sailor should avoid sailing in the storm in the first place by checking the weather radar and instead wait for the weather to clear before continuing their sailing trip
• Increasing the sail area : Increasing the sail area in a storm should be avoided as it can cause the sailboat to become more unstable and increase the risk of capsizing
• Not wearing a life jacket : Life jackets should be worn at all times when sailing but especially during a storm. Avoid not wearing a life jacket in a storm as there is no protection if someone falls overboard
• Not wearing the appropriate gear to stay dry : Sailors should avoid not wearing the appropriate foul weather gear to stay dry when sailing in a storm
• Not connecting the crew to safety lines/harness : When sailing in a storm, all crew on the boat deck should be
• Not understanding the safety equipment : Sailors should avoid not understanding the safety equipment onboard

How Do You Avoid Sailing In A Storm?

To avoid sailing in a storm, check the weather forecast regularly when going on a sailing trip to know when and where not to sail as the weather gets worse in these areas. If a sailing trip involves passing through a storm, wait in an area where there is no storm until the weather clears up in the storm area before continuing on the voyage.

What Are The Best Sailboats For Sailing In A Storm?

The best sailboats for sailing in a storm are the Nordic 40, Hallberg-Rassy 48, and the Outremer 55.

What Are The Worst Sailboats For Sailing In A Storm?

The worst sailboats for sailing in a storm are sailing dinghies as they offer little protection from the dangers of stormy weather.

What Is The Best Sized Sailboat For Sailing In A Storm?

The best-sized sailboats to sail in a storm are sailboats sized 30ft. and longer.

What Is The Worst Sized Sailboat For Sailing In A Storm?

The worst-sized sailboats to sail in a storm are sailboats sized under 30ft. as it is more difficult to handle rough weather and choppy waves in these boats.

What To Do When Sailing In A Storm

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Although it’s always advisable to avoid storms as much as possible, they are part of life at sea and sometimes you can’t avoid them. But when a storm comes your way, you should understand how to set up for the storm and how to deal with the worst.

You’ve probably asked yourself; what is it like to sail through a storm? Well, it can be the scariest thing to ever happen in your life. Sailing through a storm will test your strength, endurance, seamanship, and steering skills to the bitter limits. It can wreak serious havoc on your sailboat and any sailor, whether a beginner or experienced should know what to do in a storm when sailing.

Huge storms at sea are a requisite of fear and uncertainty. In most cases, it will sap morale, lead to poor decision making, make the crew members exhausted, and leave everyone in panic mode. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to. In addition to properly preparing the boat, you’ll require a well-thought-out strategy to deal with the sudden and unpredictable changes in weather. More importantly, you should make sure that everybody stays safe, remain calm, and work toward a common goal: overcoming the storm.

In this article, you’ll get to learn about what to do should storm come your way while out there on the water.

Table of contents

Check Your Boat before Sailing

Surviving a storm requires a great level of preparedness and it all begins long before setting out on a sail. As such, your chances of weathering a storm will increase if your boat is properly prepared to endure bad days on the water. A major part of controlling your boat and the crew in a heavy storm is being prepared for the worst. This means that you should have your boat properly rigged to easily access anything in short order.

Whether you can see a storm coming from far away or see it within seconds and on top of your head, the boat should be well prepared to deal with any condition. It’s fundamental to ensure that your lifelines are secure, the lines are strong and unworn, and all the emergency gear is on board and up to date. You should also update yourself on the weather on the days you’re planning to go out though it may be inaccurate.

Tactics for Sailing in Storm

The sailboat is, of course, stronger than people, which means that the main priority is to protect yourself, the crew, and the passengers. In addition to having enough life jackets and harness for everyone in the sailboat, you should take early action to avoid injuries and any form of seasickness as these can affect your safety.

You should also exercise situational awareness by watching your surroundings and monitoring the situation to determine whether the storm is decreasing or worsening. If the situation prolongs, it’s essential to ensure that everybody remains calm, keeps warm and takes time to eat and rest. In other words, this is the right time to show your man-management. Make sure that you maintain high spirits and that everybody works in tandem and are on the same wavelength. This will only work if you calmly work out a plan and communicate the plan to everyone.

Some of the best tactics to use in storm include sailing under storm jib, applying deeply reefed mainsail or applying storm trysail. These tactics will not only give you more control but will also give you more power to steer the boat in the waves. You can also run before the storm and try towing the drogue to slow down the boat.

Stay Away from the Shallows

The first thing that will come to your mind when a storm begins is to drop your sails, start the motor engine, and head off for the land. Well, this can be a very concrete plan as long as you can reach the harbor and dock the boat.

On the contrary, things can become worse if you get stuck in shallow waters. And even if you’re experienced, steering a boat out of the shallows is something else. This is because the winds can rapidly blow you onto the rocks and other obstructions, which can make it a lot more difficult. The engine will most likely die when you need it most.

For this reason, the best option is to stay in open water and use your skills to calmly ride out of the storm.

It’s important to start reefing as soon as you anticipate the storm. The idea here is that you shouldn’t have a lot of sails up in strong winds as this can make the sailboat to capsize. Again, it would be a lot easier to jib or furl the boat if the sails are up. Keep in mind that you should reef the sails when the wind is still manageable. As such, you should pay attention and monitor the winds at all times. Again, do not leave the cockpit if the winds are becoming stronger the boat is being tossed around.

Invest in Storm Sails

There are special sails that can be of great help in heavy winds. Although regular sails can be easily furled and still maintain shape and offer the required efficiency, a storm sail will make it much easier. It will enable you to continue sailing in a storm while reducing the effects of the heavy winds and the big waves.

Sailing in Storms

As we noted earlier, sailing in storms is a huge test of your experience, steering skill, and your overall seamanship. It’s, therefore, important to put your best foot forward and steer the boat effectively without panicking. For instance, you should refrain from sailing across tall breaking waves as they can easily capsize the boat. You should instead sail toward the flat spots while maintaining a high speed to steer out of the huge waves.

You should also target smooth waters if any to prevent the waves from washing across the deck. You can rig a preventer to hold the boom out while being extra careful not to broach the boat’s beam.

Honestly speaking, going through the storm can be a very miserable experience. The most important thing is to ensure that everybody in the body is safe and out of danger. In fact, do not risk your life to save the boat. Of course, your skills, experience, and willpower will be tested to the limits but you should remain calm and come up with a proper strategy that will help you steer the boat to safety. For instance, avoid shallow waters, reef as soon as possible, have storm sails. And make sure that everybody is reading from the same page. More importantly, avoid going out on the water if there’s an impending storm.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

How to Sail

Emergencies

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

How To Sail From California To Tahiti

July 4, 2023

How To Tow A Skier Behind A Boat

May 24, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Sailing Your Sailboat In A Storm: The Ultimate Guide

No one in their right mind chooses to direct their sailboat into a storm, and you shouldn’t either!

There’s a reason that so many songs about sailing and sailing quotes are based around storms at sea – they’re dramatic and terrifying and awe-inspiring. So inspiring that people feel the need to write about them.

In our 4 years of full-time sailing, we have only been caught out a few times. It’s never fun when you are but each time it happens you build trust in yourself and how your sailboat handles storm conditions.

The good news is that you can prepare yourself and your sailboat for storms without having to head out into one. There are several steps you can go through to ensure that if and when the time comes, you’re ready.

Sailing in stormy conditions can be a daunting experience for even the most experienced sailors. However, with the right knowledge, preparation, and mindset, you can navigate through the raging tempest and emerge safely on the other side.

In this ultimate guide, we will equip you with the essential skills and advice to sail your sailboat confidently in stormy weather.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to refine your storm tactics or a beginner eager to explore the world of sailing, this guide will provide you with the tools to face the fury of nature head-on.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate programs. This means we may receive a small commission on products purchased through our links at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Pre-storm sailing checks, storm sails, your sailboat in big waves.

• Post Storm Assessment

Conclusion: Your Sailboat In A Storm

The key to sailing in a storm is being prepared. We knew this, and yet the first time we got caught in big weather we weren’t prepared at all, and we felt really stupid for it.

Don’t be us!

You should be prepared for bad weather every single time you leave the safety of the harbour. You never know when the weather will change on you and you should always know exactly what you’ll do when that happens.

Here are a few things you can do while the weather is calm to help you prepare for the worst case scenario.

The Science of Storms

Understanding the dynamics of storms, including their formation, movement, and intensification, will enable you to make informed decisions before you even leave the anchorage.

You don’t need to become a weather expert, but you should learn how to read the weather using various sailing forecasts, and be aware of all the different tools available to you.

Another key skill is knowing weather patterns in the specific area you’re sailing in. Ask local fishermen and sailors how to spot bad weather and ‘read the skies’ as well as the forecasts.

In Greece, for example, you can predict the onset of the Meltemi winds by watching for dew on the deck. You can also learn a lot from watching the fishing boats. If they suddenly flock to port it’s a sure sign there will be bad weather on the way!

Preparing Your Sailboat

Properly equipping your sailboat before setting sail is crucial for handling a storm.

We always do pre-sail checks before setting off on a passage, but after days of sailing in calm weather, it’s easy to get complacent. Especially when there’s a favourable forecast.

This was our biggest mistake in one of the big storms we got stuck in. We usually stow our paddleboards, but we were forecast great weather and decided to tie them down on deck instead. We lost one over the side after a huge wave ripped it out of the lines and washed it overboard. Luckily it wasn’t anything more important.

You need to check for things like working bilge pumps, check your marine batteries and that you have a healthy running engine, do regular rigging inspections, check your sailboat mast , and check the quality of your lines and sails. These sorts of things should all be part of your going-to-sea checklist and are easy to keep on top of because they’re so vital.

The things that are easier to forget, but just as important, are things like ensuring hatches and portholes are properly closed and fastened, cupboards are all latched, and everything is stowed away safely.

I read a really interesting account of a couple who got caught in a severe storm. When a wave hit their top-loading fridge flew open spilling the contents everywhere. Eggs all over the floor made it impossible to move around below deck safely, and serious injuries occurred.

Think of everything, every time! And make it part of your daily routine.

Safety Equipment

Alongside your regular boat checks should be regular safety equipment checks.

To begin with, you should make sure you have all the safety equipment onboard before heading out to sea. This includes things like lifejackets , tethers, jackstays, liferafts, EPIRBS, grab bags, flares, etc.

You should make sure you inspect safety equipment regularly. Keep on top of things like recharging lifejackets and getting liferafts inspected regularly. Make sure your life sling is free to run. Make sure you have a sailing knife somewhere handy.

You should also know how to use your safety equipment and regularly practice your man overboard drills.

S eamanship Techniques

Once you find yourself sailing through a storm, it’s vital to know how to handle your sailboat effectively. This requires knowing your boat and how it handles best and will take some practice.

You can practice in calm weather, you don’t need to be in the middle of a storm to figure out certain techniques (and you shouldn’t be!) Make storm tactic practice a regular part of your sailing routine, and make sure the crew is aware of what you’ll do if heavy weather creeps up on you.

We’ll take a more in-depth look at different storm tactics below!

Crew Safety and Communication

In a storm, the safety of you and your crew is paramount. Before you head out to sea you should always brief your crew so they know all the major systems onboard. Imagine you got knocked unconscious – what would they need to know to get you and the boat to safety?

They should all have appropriate safety equipment and know your rules on using it. It’s important they trust and respect you as the skipper, because if things get tough out there you’ll want them to follow your orders.

You need to make sure they are comfortable with the way you run your ship. It’s easy to bark orders that are difficult to understand when you’re under pressure, so it’s up to you as captain to practice good communication skills onboard.

Mental Preparedness

Sailing in stormy conditions can be mentally and physically demanding. Often the sailboat is fine in a storm, but the people onboard fall apart long before the boat will.

Storms bring rough seas, and rough seas bring seasickness, anxiety, fear, and panic. You need to know what you’ll do if one or more of your crew becomes able to play their role.

When we got caught in big seas on a passage from Croatia to Greece Adam was flat on his back with seasickness for most of the journey. Luckily I knew the boat well enough to single-hand for large chunks of time, and he knew how to handle his seasickness well enough that he could take short watches while I slept.

Being prepared for this mentally by knowing the boat and our own capabilities played a huge role in the fact we managed to get the boat to safety.

Storm Tactics

Make sure you carefully think through your storm tactics and share them with your crew before you head out to sea. Here are a few storm tactics that might be worth practicing on calmer sails, so you know exactly what to do when bad weather hits.

This seems like a daft one to put first, but hypothermia will kill you much quicker than a storm. Luckily when we got really caught out it was summer and the temperatures were high, but even so we very quickly realised how stupid we were for heading out without decent sailing foulies.

The night was a very cold, very wet one. We survived it, but we vowed we would have all the proper kit before ever heading out to sea again.

As a minimum, make sure you have easily accessible layers (you do not want to be rummaging around below in a bad sea state), a decent sailing jacket and waterproof trousers, non-skid shoes, or even better, sailing boots .

For colder climates, it’s wise to consider a sailing drysuit .

Before the storm picks up make sure you’re kitted out. One rogue wave that sneaks overboard before you have your waterproof layers on could be a real killer.

One of the first steps to take in any sailboat when the weather picks up is to reef the sails . It’s unlikely that a storm will go from 0 knots to 60 (though obviously this can happen!) so as the wind builds, so should the reefs in your sails.

Reefing is simply making the sail area smaller. Different boats will have different points at which they need to reef, and your sail set up will be different too. Offshore sailors often have three reefing points in their sails so they can make them as small as possible.

Reefing the mainsail is hardest. You might need to go up to the mast to drop the sail a portion of the way down before trimming the sail again.

Foresails like jibs are often on furlers, and can be furled away as small as you like. You’ll just want to be careful the sails are balanced so you don’t have to work too hard on the helm.

Once your sailboat is fully reefed and still struggling in the wind speeds you’re getting, it’s time to consider putting up your storm sail.

Your storm sail is a vital piece of safety gear on board.

Storm sails are specialized sails designed to be used in extreme weather conditions, particularly during storms or heavy winds. They are smaller, stronger, and more heavily reinforced than regular sails, allowing a sailboat to maintain control and reduce the risk of damage or capsize in challenging weather.

Here are the main types of storm sails commonly used:

• Storm Jib: The storm jib is a small headsail that is hanked or attached to the forestay closer to the deck. It is typically made of heavy-duty fabric and has a high-cut clew (lower corner) to prevent interference with the deck or waves. The storm jib is used when the wind becomes too strong for the regular headsail, providing better control and stability.
• Storm Trisail: A storm trisail is a triangular sail that is hoisted on a separate mast track, usually on the aft side of the mast. It is set independently from the mainsail and provides an alternative to using the main in extreme conditions. The storm trisail is typically made of heavy-duty fabric and has a shorter luff (leading edge) than the regular mainsail.
• Storm Staysail: A storm staysail is a small sail set between the mast and the forestay. It is usually hanked or attached to a removable stay or a dedicated inner forestay. The storm staysail provides additional stability and control when conditions are too severe for other sails. It is typically made of heavy-duty fabric and has a high-cut clew to avoid interference.

Storm sails are designed to handle high winds and heavy seas, allowing a sailboat to maintain some degree of maneuverability and control.

They are usually constructed from stronger and more durable materials, such as heavy Dacron or woven synthetic fibers, and often feature reinforced stitching and webbing to withstand the increased loads and forces experienced in stormy conditions.

It’s important to note that deploying storm sails should be done in advance of extreme weather and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. P

roper training and experience are crucial for effectively using storm sails, as they require careful sail handling and adjustments to maintain the boat’s balance and stability.

Heaving to in a sailboat is a valuable technique used to effectively manage challenging weather conditions, especially in a storm. It allows you to temporarily pause your boat’s forward progress, stabilize it, and create a safe and controlled environment.

It’s basically putting the brakes on your sailboat.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to heave to in a sailboat, but bear in mind that every sailboat is slightly different so you will need to play around a bit with your individual boat in calm weather to work out what works best for your boat and crew.

• Assess the conditions: Determine if heaving to is the appropriate strategy for the current situation. Heaving to is most effective in moderate to heavy winds and moderate seas. If conditions are extreme or dangerous, it may be safer to consider alternative tactics or seek shelter.
• Prepare the boat: Before executing the maneuver, prepare your sailboat by reefing the sails. Reduce the sail area to a level that provides sufficient control while minimizing the boat’s forward motion. Typically, this involves reefing the mainsail by lowering it partially or completely and adjusting the headsail accordingly.
• Decide on the tack: Choose the tack to heave to based on factors such as wind direction, sea state, and the boat’s handling characteristics. The tack selection can vary depending on the boat’s design and personal preference. In general, choose the tack that allows the boat to face into the wind with the mainsail backed.
• Head up into the wind: Turn the boat into the wind by steering toward the chosen tack. This maneuver will cause the boat’s forward momentum to decrease as it approaches a position directly facing into the wind.
• Backwind the headsail: Once the boat is pointing into the wind, backwind the headsail to help balance the forces acting on the boat. To do this, ease the headsail sheet, allowing it to fill on the opposite side of the boat from its normal position. This action will counteract the forward drive and assist in keeping the boat stationary or with minimal drift.
• Adjust the rudder: Set the rudder position to maintain balance and control. Depending on the boat’s design and behavior, you may need to experiment with the rudder angle to achieve the desired heaving to effect. In some cases, you may need to lock the helm in position or use a tiller-tamer device to maintain the rudder angle.
• Fine-tune and monitor: Once in the hove-to position, make any necessary adjustments to the sails, rudder, and other controls to achieve a stable and comfortable balance. Monitor the boat’s behavior, making sure it only drifts very slowly.

The boat won’t actually stop. It will typically lie about 60 degrees off the wind, sailing at around 1 knot, and sliding to leeward.

The motion will be much less than under sail, and dramatically more stable and pleasant than dropping all sails and lying ahull. You will also be using up less sea room than if you run before the storm at great speed.

Heaving to provides a stable platform in which you can wait out a storm, take a break, or perform necessary tasks while minimizing the boat’s motion and maintaining control.

It’s important to note that the specific technique may vary depending on your sailboat’s design and the prevailing conditions, so always consult your sailboat’s manual or seek guidance from experienced sailors for your particular boat type.

Drogue Or Sea Anchor

A drogue or sea anchor is a device used in boating and sailing to provide stability and control in heavy weather or when facing strong currents, winds or waves. Its primary purpose is to reduce a boat’s drift and help maintain a more stable position relative to wind and waves.

Here are the key points and benefits of using a drogue or sea anchor:

• Reducing drift: In stormy conditions, strong winds and currents can cause a boat to drift uncontrollably, potentially leading to loss of steering and stability. By deploying a drogue or sea anchor, the device creates drag in the water, effectively slowing down the boat’s drift and providing a steadier position.
• Enhancing stability: When a drogue or sea anchor is deployed from the stern of a boat, it helps to stabilize the vessel by reducing yawing (side-to-side motion) and rolling caused by wind and waves. This stability can be crucial for crew safety, preventing excessive motion and reducing the risk of capsizing or broaching.
• Improving safety: In extreme conditions, using a drogue or sea anchor can significantly improve overall safety on board. It reduces the risk of broaching (where the boat is turned broadside to the waves) and pitch-poling (when the boat’s bow is driven under a breaking wave), both of which can lead to dangerous situations. The device helps to create a controlled environment, minimizing the chances of damage, injuries, or loss of control.

We have never needed to use our drogue, but we have been close even in the Mediterranean, so it’s good to be prepared.

If you don’t have one but you find yourself in storm conditions where you need one, then doing something like hanging lines from the stern of the boat can actually make quite a big difference,

Sailing in big waves is not for the faint of heart, but if you trust your boat and your captain it can be an exciting experience!

One of the hardest things about sailing in big waves is steering. Your most experienced helmsman should be on the helm when the weather gets rough. Reading the waves is vital.

One of the key things to remember is that you must not sail on a reach across tall, breaking waves. If they hit you at the right angle and at the right time there is every possibility they could roll the boat. It’s a good idea to be familiar with capsize ratio and what this could mean for you.

If you have to sail upwind (we would do everything possible to avoid this!) then aim towards the parts of the wave that aren’t breaking. There is huge force in breaking waves and you want to avoid them if you can. Or you might lose your paddleboard!

Tack in smooth water if possible, and try to keep the speed up as you’re going over the waves so you don’t lose steerage.

The best option is to sail on a broad reach. Even though we knew this we still attempted to sail upwind to reach our destination and it simply wasn’t possible in our older, heavy displacement boat. Instead, we turned downwind and ran all the way to Italy. It wasn’t where we needed to go (far from it) but as soon as we turned downwind the ride got a whole lot more comfortable and manageable.

When running downwind you will just need to be careful you don’t broach and turn the boat beam on to a wave. This might mean you need to deploy a drogue to slow the boat down.

Post-Storm Assessment

After the storm has passed, it’s essential to assess any damage and evaluate your performance. Someone we know sailed through the night in a storm and when he reached port he carried out a rigging inspection (knowing how much strain had been put on it).

He’s lucky the mast didn’t come down while he was up there, as there were some pretty serious points of failure just about to give. If he’d gone out sailing without checking it out first he could have been in big trouble!

Along with checking the boat for any damage it’s a great idea to do a storm debrief with your crew. Think through the things you managed really well and the things you would have done differently (there’s always something!)

Every scenario is so different, so it’s great to build up a mental picture of things that worked in certain situations and things that didn’t. Next time you get caught in bad weather you’ll be even better prepared.

In conclusion, sailing in a storm is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and intense experiences a sailor can face. It will test your skills, courage, and resilience to the core.

Yet, it is also during these tempestuous moments that the true spirit of sailing shines through. The stormy seas teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves and our abilities as sailors. It’s where I have really built confidence in my sailboat and my own strengths.

While the prospect of sailing in a storm may seem daunting, it is important to remember that with proper preparation, knowledge, and seamanship, it is possible to navigate through even the fiercest of storms. You’ll probably give up long before your sailboat will!

Understanding weather patterns, having a well-maintained vessel, and equipping oneself with the necessary safety gear are crucial steps to minimize risks.

During a storm, it is essential to remain calm and focused. Keep a clear mind, assess the situation, and make informed decisions. Trust your instincts and rely on your training and experience. Remember that storms are temporary, and your skill as a sailor will guide you towards safer waters.

Sailing in a storm also fosters a profound connection with nature. It reminds us of the immense power and unpredictability of the sea. As the winds howl and the waves crash, there is an undeniable sense of awe and respect for the forces at play.

While I wasn’t holding on for dear life, I did have time to stare in awe at the power of the ocean and it was quite an incredible feeling to be in the middle of it all. It’s the main reason people think of sailing as dangerous , and I could see why in that moment!

Lastly, sailing in a storm builds character. It teaches us perseverance, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. It cultivates a sense of resilience and fortitude that extends far beyond the realm of sailing.

In the end, while sailing in a storm may not be for the faint of heart, it is an experience that pushes us to our limits and reveals the true strength within us. But please don’t head out into one on purpose – one will find you soon enough!

It is in the face of adversity that we grow as sailors and as individuals. So, if you ever find yourself caught in a storm at sea, embrace the challenge, trust your skills, and let the storm propel you towards a greater understanding of yourself and the remarkable world of sailing.

If you’re looking for something a little more uplifting to read after this article then check out the best ocean captions for Instagram , which are a lot more light hearted and fun that talking about storms!

Similar Posts

Marina di Ragusa In Sicily Over Winter

Sailboat Living: 10 Things To Know Before Moving On Board

Is A Sailboat The Best Place To Be In A Pandemic?

The Best Anchors For Sand 2024

Storm Sails: The Ultimate Guide

The 17 Best Sailing Shoes And Boots 2024

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Heavy weather sailing: How to reduce sail in a storm

• Theo Stocker
• May 26, 2023

It’s one thing dealing with heavy weather sailing offshore, but what should coastal sailors do when they need to shorten sail in a blow? Martin Thomas explains, and Theo Stocker puts it to the test

Knowing the theory behind how to reduce sail in a storm is one thing, but does that theory work id you do get caught out? We took to the Solent on 40 knot winds to find out if the usual advice was easy to put into practise while a sea in inclement weather.

This is the second on a new Yachting Monthly series with the first part covering how to prepare your boat for a storm . We thought it was worth drawing on the combined knowledge of the seasoned sailors who have contributed to the latest edition of Adland Coles’ bible on the subject of windy weather, Heavy Weather Sailing , examining what should be done in heavy weather in coastal water, and then trying it out to see what works in practice.

Yachting Monthly editor Theo Stocker volunteered for this enviable duty, which he insists was actually great fun, and having watched the weather forecast all winter, managed to line up yachts, RIBs, crew and photographers with a Force 8 gale in order to go and play in the rough stuff.

For this endeavour Theo wanted a sturdy yacht that would be up to taking on extreme weather easily. And for that, you hardly need look further than the ever-faithful Contessa 32 . Assent was formerly owned by Willy Ker and is now owned by the Rogers family and skippered on the day by Kit Rogers, second-generation builder of Contessa 32s, among other things, at Jeremy Rogers Ltd in Lymington.

Genoas will wrinkle and bag when reefed due to the belly cut into the sail. A new, well-cut sail will be better behaved. Photo: Richard Langdon

Reducing sail in a storm

The first action to take as the wind rises is to shorten sail. Reef early and start by reefing the main, especially if you are still trying to make to windward. For most coastal and cruising sailors, standard reefing points are sufficient, although many new sails will have just two rows of reefing points, with a corresponding paucity of deck hardware.

It is sensible to specify a third reef as standard, and to find ways to handle the additional controls. If worse weather is anticipated then ask a sailmaker to put in a deep reef, usually a fourth reef. Be sure that the deep reef luff cringle will reach the staghorn, using a pair of ‘spectacles’ (two rings secured by a webbing strap through the cringle) if necessary. Some racing organisations such as RORC insist that boats carry a trysail, but for cruisers, in my view, this is not necessary. A trysail is a difficult sail for a short-handed crew to rig, especially in the conditions when it might be needed.

Article continues below…

A partly furled Genoa becomes baggy and performs poorly when the boat is close- hauled. If you plan to make longer voyages, when encountering rough weather is more likely, then fit a removable inner forestay before you set out. This can hang quietly attached to the toe rail or chain plate until needed. Then as the storm approaches, it can be deployed with a ratchet, wheel or lever to tighten the wire and a reduced headsail hanked on.

Having been under load, the genoa needed extra turns round the foil to furl away fully. Photo: Richard Langdon

Such a headsail will set kindly in strong conditions even when hauled to the wind. Be sure to have a suitable lead for the sheets as the blocks for the furling Genoa may not be in the right place.

Carry a storm jib of heavier canvas, although for most sailors the storm jib will be flown rarely, if ever. With a fully reefed main and a Number 3 jib or storm jib set on an inner forestay, most cruisers can survive quite severe weather for long enough to reach shelter.

It would be worth consulting a rigger or surveyor before fitting such an arrangement to agree the best means of doing so, and that both rig and deck attachment points will be strong enough to support the loads.

We lashed the reef clew down to keep it close to the boom. Photo: Richard Langdon

Our experience of reducing sail in a storm

Willy Ker said of Assent that ‘You can stick more or less anything with three reefs and the jib rolled well in. If it gets really nasty, I roll the headsail away. I don’t think I’ve ever set a storm jib.’ So setting a storm jib and trysail may have been overly cautious, but it was a good exercise.

For most of our time on the water, we had the deep third reef tucked in the main. A handkerchief compared to the full main, it set flat with good tension, and supported the boom at a sensible height. We did have to re-lead the first reef line as the third, as it gets used so rarely. Doing anything with the boom in heavy weather is best avoided, so if you can keep the third reef rigged, it is makes life easier

Deck work upwind is a damp and precarious experience. Photo: Richard Langdon

Genoa furling

We began with a scrap of the furling genoa. Assent was fitted with a fairly new and very nice set of Kevlar-reinforced dacron cruising sails from Sanders which hold their shape extremely well, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Genoa set even when heavily furled, compared to the wrinkled bag I was left with on my own Sadler 29’s stretchy genoa, that served only to induce heel and pull the bow off the wind.

The thing that caught us out was that, despite having been used as it was for over two year without issue, when using the roller-furling to reef the Genoa in a blow, the force of the wind pulled the turns of sail much tighter around the foil, exacerbated by any stretch in the furling line. Once we’d reached the end of the furling line, we still needed three or four more turns to get the sail away. The only way to achieve this was unreeving the sheets and passing them around the forestay, after which we had sufficient turns – not a fun job in heavy weather.

Getting a good sheeting angle is critical. Two sheet cars meant we could keep both sheets rigged. Photo: Richard Langdon

Rigging the storm jib

Hanking on the storm jib was fairly straightforward, and made easier with two people on deck. There was a little bit of guess work as to which way to lead the sheets around the shrouds and whether the forward genoa car would be suitable. As the storm jib was very high-clewed, it actually worked well with the car position, and it was best to keep the sheets outside the shrouds, even when close hauled, as we were sailing a fairly free angle. Re-leading the sheets and moving the genoa car, as we needed to for the genoa when heavily furled, required putting someone on deck, and tacking to free off the leeward side.

It is worth knowing which way to lead sheets before you have to do it for real to minimise time on deck. It isn’t always obvious if you haven’t tried it beforehand.

The trysail is a faff to rig, but a brilliant sail once set. Photo: Richard Langdon

Possibly the least used sail in any boat’s wardrobe, and for good reason. If you need to use the main mast track, getting the main sliders out and trysail sliders in was a pig of a job. The mainsail needed lashing down first, then it was a two-person job to wrestle the sliders free, with clevis pins and split rings that in these conditions were fiddly and potentially easy to lose, yet critical to the functioning of the system.

We led the sheets to the secondary winches via the spinnaker blocks on the quarters, which worked well, though they did cross the cockpit to do so.

If you can avoid this palaver, I would. You would be better to run under storm jib alone, or bare poles, though you will then be restricted to sailing across or downwind. It might be possible to rig a trysail on a wire aft of the mast, or with parrel beads around the mast as an easier method.

Despite all of this, I am a fan of the trysail. It is a brilliant sail once set – we were amazed at how well the boat sailed upwind with it. We clocked over 6 knots in 35-40 knots of wind on a fetch, and could point pretty high upwind. The helm remained balanced, heel was manageable and the boat felt under control. This is basically the only option if you need to make way upwind in extreme conditions, and anecdotes suggest this is one of the safest courses to steer. This may be more important for coastal than offshore sailors, given the potential need to sail upwind away from a lee shore when there isn’t searoom.

A dedicated trysail track would be invaluable if you carry a trysail. Without a track, the effort to rig it, and the risk of people spending a protracted period on deck, may put you off doing so. The sail will increase your options if you’re in a squeeze.

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

Can Yachts Survive Hurricanes & Rough Weather? (Explained)

Some yachts are built to withstand rough weather and high seas.  However, no yacht is designed to withstand hurricanes.  They may survive them while out at sea, but they aren’t intended to do so.

Other yachts aren’t built to withstand rough waters or strong storms at all.

In this post, I’ll answer these questions in detail so that you’ll know what kind of yacht you need to buy to survive in rough weather:

Table of Contents

The Hull Plays A Vital Role

A boat hull is either designed as a displacement hull or a planning hull:

• Displacement hulls move within the water.
• Planing hulls ride on top of the water.

An example of a planning hull can be found on Jon boats and airboats:

To survive in rough water, you’ll need to be in a boat with a displacement hull.

This is where the boat lays lower in the water, and the hull displaces the water.

However, not all displacement hulls are equal.

Some displacement hulls have deep V shapes or deep keels, while others do not.

The deeper the V or the keel, the more likely it is that the boat can withstand choppy water.

This is why you’ll notice category A yachts will often have deeper hulls than category D yachts.  For more information on yacht categories, take a look at the post titled, “Can Yachts Cross The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.”

The hull’s shape isn’t the only thing to consider when assessing a yacht’s ability to survive in rough weather.  A hull needs to be built solidly enough to withstand the constant pounding of the sea.

On top of this, it might be important that the hull be strong enough to take impacts with other objects while on the water.  A yacht might not be out to sea when experiencing rough weather, so it’s important that its hull can take hits from debris and shallow areas without falling apart.

A rudder is the part of the boat that determines which way the boat will go.

This simple structure is located just past the propeller at the back of the boat.

In addition to steering, a rudder can also be used to help slow a boat down or to keep it from rolling under certain conditions. 

Being able to steer and being able to slow down is important in fair weather, and it is especially important during rough weather when a boat can be pushed into dangerous obstacles more easily.

A yacht owner will want to make sure that their rudder is in good condition before heading out into bad weather.  This can be done by making sure it does not have any corrosion, cracks, or pits in it.

Neglect to do this and the strong currents that rough weather often brings can destroy the rudder and leave the yacht owner with the inability to steer.

The Sails Must Be In Good Shape

New composite membrane sails will stay stiffer than Dacron sails, which leads to less heel.

This is useful for racing and cruising, and it’s especially useful during rough weather when the sailor needs every advantage he can get.

The material of the sail is just a part of what makes a sail good in rough weather.

Regardless of what sails you have on your sailing yacht, they’ll need to be in good condition.  This needs to be checked all of the time so that the sails are ready for rough weather when it comes.

Proper cleaning and storage of the sail are what will keep the sails in good condition for when they are needed.

This can be done by rinsing the salt water off of the sails with freshwater, letting the sails dry out before storage, and properly flaking the sails as recommended by the sail loft.

The Fuel Tanks Must Be Big

Rough weather can tax a motor boat’s engine.  This is because the winds pick up and the currents become stronger.

The engine then begins to burn fuel at a much faster rate than it does in fair weather.

For this reason, a motor yacht with a larger fuel tank might be needed to travel through rough weather.  Additionally, many yacht owners deal with hurricanes by navigating out of the path of the hurricane.

A larger fuel tank will help the yacht owner put more distance between themselves and the hurricane.

The Bilge Pumps Is Important

A bilge pump works to remove water from the boat.

During stormy weather, water will move into the boat much more quickly than it does under normal conditions.

For starters, a rainstorm can drop several inches of rain onto a yacht, creating over 700 gallons of water over a 50 feet boat.  Fortunately, most of this water flows overboard.

On top of this, rough winds can send seawater into the boat in much greater quantities than normal.  All of this excess water will lead to the bilge pumps having to work harder than usual.  If the bilge pumps go down, the boat could end up filling up with too much water.

This will slow the boat down, make it harder to steer, and in extreme cases, could even lead to the boat sinking.

The Lights Must Work Properly

Rough weather can bring dark storm clouds with it.

In this case, you may need your lights to help you navigate through the water and safely past other boaters.

You’ll need the proper red, green, and white lights on your yacht in order to safely and legally operate your boat under dark and cloudy skies.  The red light will need to be on your port side, the green light will need to be on your starboard side, and your light will need to be at the stern.

For a more in-depth look at light navigation rules, see our post titled, “ Boat Navigation Light Rules in Plain English .”

Concerns About The Radio

Your boat’s radio could end up saving your life.

While it’s important to try to ensure that your yacht can handle any weather you expose it to, this might not always be the case.  In this case, you may need to be rescued.  A good radio will give you the ability to call out for help when you need it.

A good radio may also give you the ability to help others in need.

Just because your yacht can handle rough weather doesn’t mean everyone else’s can.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you could help someone else out if they needed it?

NOAA radios are also important as they will tell the yacht owner what the weather is doing at any given time.  The weather can move quickly, and an NOAA radio will help to increase the amount of notice you get before encountering foul weather.  We’ll go into this in more detail in the next section.

The Weather Reports

The marine forecast is of vital importance to all boaters, especially yacht owners attempting to survive rough weather and hurricanes.

Luckily, the NOAA National Weather Service provides these forecasts free of charge.

Weather reports can warn yacht owners of impending storms and hurricanes so that they can be avoided.  They can also let yacht owners know what the winds and currents will look like.  In addition to the radio forecasts, today the forecasts are available graphically over the internet.

This can help yacht owners determine whether or not they should take their boat out and how much additional fuel they might need when they do.

Remember, stronger winds and currents could mean more fuel or less fuel depending on whether or not the yacht owner will be working with the winds and currents or against them.

Here are the NOAA weather radio frequencies:

• 162.400 MHz   (WX2)
• 162.425 MHz   (WX4)
• 162.450 MHz   (WX5)
• 162.475 MHz   (WX3)
• 162.500 MHz   (WX6)
• 162.525 MHz   (WX7)
• 162.550 MHz   (WX1)

These frequencies provide coverage up to 25 miles offshore.

The Boat’s Top Speed Is Important

The best way for a yacht to survive a hurricane is to move away from it before it hits.

A hurricane can travel at speeds of up to 10 to 35 miles an hour.  This is between 8 and 30 knots.

As long as your yacht can travel at this speed, you should be able to outrun it.  This is especially true if you’ve been watching the weather reports, as you’ll have plenty of time to get a head start on the hurricane.

Storms can also be fast-moving, but they’ll typically move at an even slower forward speed than a hurricane.  A thunderstorm may only move at about a speed of 20 miles per hour.

In this case, you’d need a boat that could surpass about 18 knots.

Of course, this is only if the hurricane is right next to your boat.

With a day or two of warning, the average 10-knot speed of a cruising yacht should be enough to allow the yacht to get out of the way of the storm’s path.

The Boat’s Weight

Heavier boats sit deeper in the water and provide more balance.

This is true whether you’re operating a sailing yacht or a power yacht.

The reason for this is that heavier boats have more mass.

When two objects collide, such as a boat and a wave , the one with higher mass isn’t affected as much.

The heavier your boat, the less it will be affected by larger waves.  This is the major reason why larger boats do better in rough weather.

The Boat’s Condition

Your boat should be in good condition and ready for rough weather at any time.

This can be done through regular boat inspections and by adhering to the regular maintenance schedule.

A yacht owner should inspect their boat before any trip they make out onto the water.

In fact, all boat owners should be checking their boats regularly, even if they never intend to leave the docks.  This is because you never know when you may have to drive your boat out of the path of a large storm or hurricane.

Some items to check are the engines, the sails, the fuel tanks, the bilge pumps, the propellers, and the rudders.  You’ll also want to check the lights, the hardware, and even the hull, the deck, and the sides of the boat.

The steering components should be checked regularly as well.  Cables, rudders, and keels all need to be in good working order, or you may not be able to leave when you need to.

The Yacht’s Crew

Without a doubt, the crew of the boat is the most critical factor when determining whether or not a yacht can survive bad weather, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.

A crew should be well-trained, diligent, and experienced.

The crew should also be dedicated, mentally and emotionally healthy, and unlikely to develop seasickness in rough seas.  This is because even the best trained and experienced crew isn’t going to do you any good if they don’t show up, can’t handle stress, or get too sick to help manage the boat during a storm.

Ideally, you’ll know how to operate your own yacht so that you can help get you, your boat, and the rest of the crew to safety in an emergency situation like rough weather.

Even if you have a full-time crew, you should practice with your boat regularly so that your skills remain sharp.

Boat Usability and User Fatigue

As far as a boat’s construction goes, many experts believe that the most crucial component that determines whether or not a boat can survive rough weather is the boat’s actual usability.

This is because a boat with poor usability can cause user fatigue much more quickly than a boat built with user ergonomics in mind.

At the end of the day, the crew needs to be of sound mind and body to successfully navigate their way through a storm or hurricane. 

They won’t be able to do this if they are too tired– or injured.

Here are 6 areas to consider when looking at a boat’s ergonomics:

• Foot Bracing Positions
• Bunk Sizes and Placements
• Galley Ergonomics
• Head Ergonomics

1) Handrails

Handrails need to be placed throughout the boat so that the crew can access them any time the boat heels or moves with the wind or water.

This is especially important during rough weather as the boat will be moving much more erratically than normal.  Failure to have access to handrails can lead to injuries, and people have even gone overboard in situations like these.

2) Foot Braces

Foot bracing positions need to be placed on sailing yachts.

A good foot brace will help sailors brace themselves while heeling and will drastically reduce the amount of fatigue they’ll experience while dealing with the high winds that rough weather always brings.

The seating in the boat also needs to be conducive to steering.

An autopilot system can go down, and it’s important that the people driving the boat have a comfortable and well-thought-out seat so that they can navigate without getting tired.

4) Bunk Sizes and Placements

Even the bunks of the yacht matter during a storm.

Bunks for the crew should be at least 30 inches wide so that the crew can comfortably sleep in them.  They also need to be positioned so that the crew does not fall out of them when the boat makes violent movements.

Fail to do this, and your crew will not get enough sleep to function properly when you need them the most.

5) The Location

The boat’s location will also determine whether or not it can handle rough weather.

For example, being too close to shore can often be fatal during a storm.

This is because a boat can be pushed into shallow water where they’re likely to experience steep breaking waves and suffer hull breaches and broken keels.

This is why some yacht owners head out to sea during bad weather to ride out the storm.

6) The Port

A yacht doesn’t always have to be manned or even operational for it to be destroyed during hurricanes and other forms of bad weather.

Some ports can shelter a yacht while others cannot.  Before leaving your boat at the port during a bad storm, you may want to check to see if the port is likely to survive the storm.

If the port is unlikely to survive, you’ll have to decide whether or not there is time to move it to a different port.  If you don’t have time to safely move the boat, just leave it and make sure your insurance is up to date.

You can replace a boat, but you can never replace the lives of you and your crew.

Final Thoughts

Yachts can and do survive rough weather like tropical storms and hurricanes.

However, this doesn’t mean you should tempt fate by going out on the water during these events.

Whenever possible, it is always best to help you, your yacht, and your crew to survive bad weather by avoiding it in the first place.  Sailing away from the storm or entering a sheltered port is usually the best course of action.

Click to share...

The Storm Anchoring Techniques

Proper storm anchoring techniques are essential for ensuring the safety of your boat and family during a storm while sailing the open seas.

Sailing the open seas is an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant challenges that sailors face is dealing with storms. Proper storm tactics and preparation are essential for ensuring the safety of your boat and your family. In this article, we will discuss storm anchoring techniques, which are crucial for keeping your boat secure during a storm.

Table of Contents

Understanding storm anchoring, types of anchors, anchor rode selection, setting the anchor, scope and chafe protection, multiple anchors, storm anchor retrieval.

Storm anchoring is the process of securing your boat to the seabed using an anchor and rode (the line or chain connecting the anchor to the boat) to prevent it from drifting or being pushed ashore during a storm. The primary goal of storm anchoring is to keep your boat in a safe position, minimizing the risk of damage or injury.

When selecting an anchorage, consider the following factors:

• Protection : Choose a location that offers protection from the wind and waves. This may include natural features such as headlands, islands, or reefs, or man-made structures like breakwaters or marinas.
• Holding Ground : The seabed should provide good holding for your anchor. Sand, mud, and clay are generally considered the best holding grounds, while rock, coral, and grass are less reliable.
• Swing Room : Ensure there is enough space for your boat to swing around the anchor without colliding with other boats or obstacles.
• Depth : The water should be deep enough to accommodate your boat’s draft and allow for a sufficient scope (the ratio of rode length to water depth).

There are several types of anchors available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of anchors used for storm anchoring include:

CQR (Plow) Anchor : This anchor has a hinged shank and plow-shaped fluke, which allows it to dig into the seabed and provide excellent holding power. It is suitable for a variety of bottom conditions, including sand, mud, and clay.

Delta Anchor : Similar to the CQR anchor, the Delta anchor has a fixed shank and a concave fluke, which provides even better holding power in soft bottoms. It is also effective in harder bottoms, such as rock and coral.

Bruce (Claw) Anchor : This anchor has a three-pronged design that provides good holding power in most bottom conditions, although it may struggle in very soft mud. It is also less likely to foul on underwater obstacles.

Danforth (Fluke) Anchor : This lightweight anchor has a large surface area, making it ideal for soft bottoms like sand and mud. However, it may not perform as well in harder bottoms or areas with heavy grass or seaweed.

When choosing an anchor for storm anchoring, it is essential to select one that is appropriately sized for your boat. A general rule of thumb is to use an anchor that weighs 1 pound for every foot of boat length. However, this may vary depending on the specific anchor type and the conditions in which it will be used.

The anchor rode is the line or chain that connects your boat to the anchor. There are two primary types of anchor rode: chain and rope. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Chain Rode : Chain rode is heavy and durable, providing excellent abrasion resistance and helping to keep the anchor shank low to the seabed, which improves holding power. However, chain rode is more expensive and requires a windlass (a mechanical device used to raise and lower the anchor) for handling.

Rope Rode : Rope rode is lighter and more affordable than chain rode, making it easier to handle without a windlass. However, rope rode is more susceptible to chafe and abrasion, which can weaken it over time.

For storm anchoring, it is recommended to use a combination of chain and rope rode. The chain portion should be at least the length of your boat, while the rope portion should be long enough to provide the necessary scope.

Properly setting the anchor is crucial for ensuring that it holds during a storm. Follow these steps to set your anchor:

• Approach the anchorage slowly, heading into the wind or current.
• When you reach the desired location, lower the anchor to the seabed while maintaining forward momentum. This will help the anchor dig into the bottom.
• Once the anchor is on the bottom, slowly reverse your boat while paying out the rode. This will help the anchor to set and bury itself in the seabed.
• When you have reached the desired scope, secure the rode to a cleat or anchor roller on your boat.
• Gently back down on the anchor using your engine to ensure that it is set and holding. If the anchor drags, repeat the process.

The scope is the ratio of rode length to water depth and is a critical factor in ensuring that your anchor holds during a storm. A general rule of thumb is to use a scope of 7:1 for storm anchoring, meaning that for every foot of water depth, you should have 7 feet of rode deployed.

Chafe protection is essential for preventing damage to your rode during a storm. Chafe can occur when the rode rubs against the boat’s bow, anchor roller, or other obstacles. To protect your rode, use chafe guards or hose sections to cover the areas where chafe is likely to occur.

In some situations, it may be necessary to deploy multiple anchors to provide additional holding power or to prevent your boat from swinging into obstacles. There are several methods for setting multiple anchors, including:

• Bahamian Moor : This technique involves setting two anchors in a line, with one anchor set directly upwind of the other. This can help to limit the boat’s swing and provide additional holding power.
• V-Formation : This method involves setting two anchors at a 45-degree angle from the bow, creating a V-shape. This can help to prevent the boat from swinging side-to-side during a storm.
• Tandem Anchoring : This technique involves attaching a second anchor to the rode of the primary anchor, effectively creating a chain of anchors. This can provide additional holding power in extreme conditions.

After the storm has passed, it is essential to retrieve your anchor(s) carefully to avoid damage to your boat or the anchor itself. Follow these steps to retrieve your anchor:

• Approach the anchor slowly, heading into the wind or current.
• Use a windlass or manual effort to raise the anchor rode until it is vertical.
• If the anchor is stuck, try using your boat’s engine to gently pull it free. Be cautious not to put too much strain on the rode or anchor.
• Once the anchor is free, raise it to the surface and secure it to your boat.

Storm anchoring is a critical skill for sailors who want to ensure the safety of their boat and family during a storm. By selecting the appropriate anchor and rode, setting the anchor correctly, and using proper scope and chafe protection, you can significantly increase the chances of your boat remaining secure during a storm. Additionally, understanding how to deploy multiple anchors and retrieve them safely after the storm has passed is essential for successful storm anchoring.

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3565
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

View More Photos

• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Motor Yachts for Charter
• Amenities & Toys
• Rates & Regions
• + Shortlist

STORM YACHT CHARTER

32m  /  105'   overmarine   2005 / 2022.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Recent refit in 2022
• Interior design from Overmarine
• Cruising speed of 28 knots
• Sleeps 9 guests
• Williams Jet Tenders Tender

Superyacht Storm is a thrilling yacht charter vessel for those looking to cruise the open seas in large numbers in the utmost comfort

The 31.4m/103' open yacht 'Storm' by the Italian shipyard Overmarine offers flexible accommodation for up to 9 guests in 4 cabins and features interior styling by Italian designer Overmarine.

Whether you want to soak up the rays on her array of sumptuous sunpads, enjoy a croissant and coffee as you take in the views or take a refreshing dip off her fabulous swim platform, Storm is primed for outdoor living. Showcasing dynamic lines and sleek good looks, she's guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

Guest Accommodation

Families will particularly love Storm thanks to her child-friendly setup. Built in 2005, She offers guest accommodation for up to 9 guests with a layout comprising a master suite, two double cabins and one twin cabin. There are 8 beds in total, including 1 king, 2 queen, 2 singles and 1 pullman. She is also capable of carrying up to 4 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Storm benefits from some excellent features to improve your charter including Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. You can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, she has impressive speed and great efficiency thanks to her planing hull. Powered by twin MTU engines, she comfortably cruises at 28 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 31 knots with a range of up to 450 nautical miles from her 13,000 litre fuel tanks. Her low draft of 1.1m/3'7" makes her primed for accessing shallow areas and cruising close to the shorelines.

Equipped with a selection of water-toys Storm lets you and your guests turn the Mediterranean into your own private playground. Take to the sea on the Jet Skis offering you power and control on the water. Also there are waterskis that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Additionally, there are wakeboards so guests can show off at speed. When it's time to travel from land to see, it couldn't be easier with a Williams Jet Tenders Tender.

Based in the magical waters of the Mediterranean all year round Storm is ready for your next luxury yacht charter. Let Storm Discover the magical places, food and experiences of the the Mediterranean.

This luxury open yacht for charter is in prime condition to host your next holiday of a lifetime.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Storm, please provide .

Storm Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Storm has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Storm is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x Williams Jet Tenders 325 Tender

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Storm' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€66,000 p/week + expenses Approx $72,000

High Season

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Italy, Monaco

HOT SPOTS:   Cannes, Corsica, French Riviera, Ligurian Riviera, Portofino, Sardinia, St Tropez

Winter Season

October - April

Charter Storm

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

Update your yacht

Yacht Owner, Captain or Central Agents - Send us latest Photos, Charter Rates or Corrections Contact Us

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

32m | Overmarine

from $64,000 p/week

32m | Italcraft

from $65,000 p/week ♦︎

Baby June III

31m | Overmarine

33m | Overmarine

from $84,000 p/week ♦︎

from $87,000 p/week ♦︎

Casino Royale

33m | Sunseeker

from $71,000 p/week ♦︎

from $54,000 p/week ♦︎

Dark Knight

31m | Leopard

from $63,000 p/week ♦︎

from $67,000 p/week

34m | Leopard

from $92,000 p/week ♦︎

from $60,000 p/week ♦︎

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

SEASONAL CHARTER RATES

• Share on Facebook
• Share Yacht

SIMILAR LUXURY CHARTER YACHTS

Here are a selection of yachts which are similar to the current charter yacht. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Virginia Beach yacht, 75-foot, catches fire, 3 people on board rescued in dramatic fashion

A 75-foot-yacht off the coast of Cape Henry in Virginia Beach caught fire, forcing its occupants to jump into the water, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Mayday call for "a recreational vessel on fire" came in around 3:30 a.m. Friday, a spokesperson of the U.S. Coast Guard told USA TODAY over the phone.

Motor Vessel Savage, a 75-foot-yacht, was on fire about two miles off the coast of Cape Henry.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Three adults who were on board the vessel jumped into the water and were later rescued by a pilot boat, said U.S.C.G.

Dramatic rescue: Video shows 7 people being rescued after seaplane crashes near PortMiami: Watch

Three people aboard jumped into waters, rescued from burning yacht

"All three were picked up within approximately 10 minutes by pilot boats and no injuries are recorded," said the U.S.C.G.

The Virginia Beach Fire Department, assisting the Coast Guard, towed the boat to Fort Story, a military base on Virginia Beach, where it is still smoldering.

The fire department is fighting the fire from the shore, said the spokesperson, adding that the vessel is against a rock. The U.S.C.G. is also monitoring the situation, with a boat on scene.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, said the U.S.C.G.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Virginia Beach yacht, 75-foot, catches fire, 3 people on board rescued in dramatic fashion

A guide to Indian Lake, hammered by Thursday's storms

The Indian Lake area of Ohio was torn by storms Thursday night . Here's a guide to the lake:

Where is Indian Lake?

Indian Lake is in Logan County, about 70 miles northwest of Columbus.

How big is Indian Lake?

The lake is about 5,100 acres, making it the third largest lake in Ohio, behind Grand Lake St. Marys (13,500 acres) in Auglaize and Mercer counties and Mosquito Creek Lake (7,850 acres) in Trumbull County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In addition, Pymatuning Reservoir, which straddles Ohio and Pennsylvania, covers 14,000 acres.

Is Indian Lake natural?

Indian Lake is man-made. According to the ODNR , it began in 1851 as "Old Indian Lake," a feeder lake for the Miami & Erie Canal. A bulkhead completed in 1860 allowed the lake, then called Lewiston Reservoir, to grow to more than 6,300 acres. Although Indian Lake is very shallow, with an average depth of 6 feet, it has largely been spared the algae that has stained other Ohio lakes because of the Indian Lake Watershed Project, established in the 1990s to keep the water clean.

How many people live on Indian Lake?

About 1,300 people live in the lake's largest town, Russells Point, and another 1,200 live down the road in Lakeview, both on the lake's southern shore. Hundreds more live around the lake, many of them in seasonal trailer parks and campgrounds, making the area vulnerable to storms.

What is Indian Lake best known for?

For decades, an amusement park and dance halls along the lake's southern rim drew visitors from miles around and provided the lake's nickname, the "Midwest's Million Dollar Playground." The last bits of the amusement park were torn down in the early 1980s; only the I ndian Lake Rollarena in Russells Point provides a hint of the lake's entertainment past.

Was the 1960s hit "Indian Lake" about this lake?

No. The Cowsills' 1968 Top 10 hit "Indian Lake" is thought to be based on a lake in Upstate New York.

What is housing like around Indian lake?

Much of Indian Lake's homes remain trailers in campgrounds, especially on the north and west sides of the lake. But a growing number of large new homes have been built on the lake this century, especially on the lake's multiple islands and eastern shore. Many of the older, modest homes still sell under $100,000, but newer homes can command more than half a million dollars. The lake's real-estate landed it a spot on the HGTV shows "Island Life" and "Island Hunters."

What impact did the storms have on the lake's state park?

The ODNR has closed Indian Lake State Park, on the west side of the lake, until further notice. "ODNR staff and other emergency crews will assess the impact of the storm and reevaluate the status of the park later today," the department posted Friday . The 8,400-acre park is one of Ohio's four original state parks, created in 1949.

[email protected]

Scott Disick Out to Dinner in L.A. After Noticeable Weight Loss

Lucky Ladies In Green Bikinis -- Guess Who!

Elizabeth Hurley Says She Felt Liberated During Sex Scene Directed By Son

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Timothée Chalamet Channels Young Bob Dylan on Biopic Set

California yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker in vicious showdown, cali yacht owner threatens to kill dock worker drops pants for rude salute, 93 3/13/2024 8:09 am pt.

A California yacht owner's vicious beef with a dock worker has reached death-threat levels -- and their exchange was caught on camera and included a nude, and very rude, gesture!

Check out the clip ... it all unfolds when San Diego entrepreneur Ajay Thakore swings by the swanky Marriott Marquis Marina in his rare $4.5M Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht to pick up one of his employees -- but things boil over when dock worker Joseph Holt tells him he can't be there.

Thakore, the CEO of medical advertising firm Doctor Multimedia, flips out on Holt big time ... and starts spewing threats like, "I will kill you, you know I will kill you, I will kill."

And it doesn't stop there -- as Thakore's pulling out of the harbor, he drops trou to make a full frontal salute in Holt's direction. Stay classy, San Diego!

Holt's only retaliation was flipping the bird, and he later told CBS8 that was all he could do to keep his cool and avoid escalating the situation.

Holt says parts of the altercation were not captured on camera, and he adds ... Thakore not only threatened to kill him, but also claimed to have connections who could totally mess up his life.

Holt also says Thakore pulled out $100 bills and tossed them at him, even chucking some in the water.

BTW, Thakore's done some backpedaling since the ugly exchange -- he now says, "The interaction that occurred yesterday was regrettable. What started as a minor misunderstanding escalated into an argument, and I apologize for my actions and to those who witnessed the unfortunate exchange."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

FWIW ... One of Thakore’s employees claims the whole thing began because other dock workers blocked him from boarding the yacht.

Oh, and if that fancy Lambo yacht looks familiar -- it's the same one Chuck Liddell recently tumbled off just last month. Now it's famous AND infamous!

• Share on Facebook

related articles

Alabama Riverboat Brawl Co-Captain Says Boaters Threatened to Kill Him

Wild Brawl Breaks Out at Annual Florida Lake Party

Old news is old news be first.

Riley County police investigating theft of aluminum boat in Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Riley County police were investigating the theft of an aluminum boat Wednesday in Manhattan.

The theft was reported around 6:49 p.m. Wednesday in the 1800 block of College Heights Road in central Manhattan.

Riley County police said a 65-year-old man was listed as the victim when it was reported that a known suspect had stolen his aluminum boat and trailer.

The total estimated loss in this case is approximately $1,000.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.

Crews on scene of structure fire in SE Topeka

Governor Kelly proclaims Transit Employee Appreciation Day in Kansas

Topeka man arrested following burglary of house

Topeka woman competes for 19th annual Ms. Wheelchair Kansas

Geary County Sheriff’s Office arrested Herington man for fleeing from deputies

Latest news.

13 NEWS This Morning Birthday Club 03-17-2024

St. Patrick's Day Forecast

Washburn softball sweeps Northeastern State

K-State baseball dominates Missouri State to clinch series win in game two

Aggieville hosts St. Patrick Day Parade