Heavy Weather Preparation - Crew

Overview

When more adventurous cruises are being undertaken it is advantageous that the crew be familiar with the tactics and procedures used in heavy weather.

Below are items which are covered with Balstara's challenge crew.

Heavy weather tactics and procedures

•  Heaving to (in fresh to strong conditions so crew can picture what motion may be like when used in earnest)
•  Dropping sail and lying a hull (in fresh to strong conditions so crew can picture what motion may be like when used in earnest)
•  MOB drills (rotate roles, i.e. everyone takes turns at the helm and at coordinating recovery)
•  Parachute anchor deployment
•  Storm sails, set and use (involves re-rigging main first reefing pennant for third pennant)
•  Emergency rudder set and use (lock off main rudder and examine steering ability of emergency system)
•  Mast head work (familiarity beforehand reduces anxiety and time required working at mast head when/if required)
•  Watch keeping (often people have not gained watch keeping experience)
•  Laying and recovering multiple anchors (practice procedure in easy conditions)
•  Practice of Safety drills