You head out for a day sail with a forecast of sunshine and five-to-fifteen knot winds. Forecasts being what they are, the winds turn out to be 20-25 knots with higher gusts, and the winds build up some four-to-five foot waves. Things get a bit wild and tippy and maybe a tad scary at times. But you shorten sail, drop the traveller, ease the sheets, steer into the waves and around the breakers and make it home safely, tired but satisfied--now you know both you and your boat can handle these conditions when you need to. What's the highest wind you've ever sailed in? Did you get caught out in an unexpected blow or a thunderstorm? Or did you deliberately head out in some marginal conditions to test the ability of both you and your boat? What tactics did you use to handle the wind? What safety precautions did you take to reduce the element of danger? When it was all over, were you pleased that you had proven the ability of your boat and your crew, or did you vow "never again"? Share your experiences and be sure to vote in the quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
C
captbill
Voluntarily?
Well - since you didn't say "voluntarily" - I guess I "survived" sailing in 43 knots of wind. I felt great about the boats' ability to handle the conditions. I felt less confident about how I handled the conditions! We made some mistakes - mostly due to panic - but got her home ok. At least now I know what to do when it happens again!
Well - since you didn't say "voluntarily" - I guess I "survived" sailing in 43 knots of wind. I felt great about the boats' ability to handle the conditions. I felt less confident about how I handled the conditions! We made some mistakes - mostly due to panic - but got her home ok. At least now I know what to do when it happens again!
D
David Heath
When the wind is boistrous
April 1, 2001 the wind was blowing fairly steady at 40 knots and we went out onto Lake Murray, SC on purpose. I have an in-mast reefing main, and only pulled the main out perhaps 20%. Lake Murray is a large lake, but still the fetch is not long, and the waves were consistent at 4', positioned like moguls in a downhill competition. We turned the boat into the wind and were beating 4.7 knots with just that little bit of sail. It was great(!), but my wife was uncomfortable with the challenge, so we went in too soon! Another instance, unplanned, a rainstorm came up suddenly, the wind gusted to @55knots, caused an accidental jibe which ripped the sail from the clew and peeled back my bimini from the stitching. My fault--I saw it coming but didn't "believe" soon enough. The main looked like pacman had taken a bite out of it, but it and the bimini were easily repaired by my sailmaker, but not for free! Lesson learned! I don't mind testing the vessel in heavy air, especially since I am on a lake. That way, when I am offshore, I expect to know what to do and how to do it.
April 1, 2001 the wind was blowing fairly steady at 40 knots and we went out onto Lake Murray, SC on purpose. I have an in-mast reefing main, and only pulled the main out perhaps 20%. Lake Murray is a large lake, but still the fetch is not long, and the waves were consistent at 4', positioned like moguls in a downhill competition. We turned the boat into the wind and were beating 4.7 knots with just that little bit of sail. It was great(!), but my wife was uncomfortable with the challenge, so we went in too soon! Another instance, unplanned, a rainstorm came up suddenly, the wind gusted to @55knots, caused an accidental jibe which ripped the sail from the clew and peeled back my bimini from the stitching. My fault--I saw it coming but didn't "believe" soon enough. The main looked like pacman had taken a bite out of it, but it and the bimini were easily repaired by my sailmaker, but not for free! Lesson learned! I don't mind testing the vessel in heavy air, especially since I am on a lake. That way, when I am offshore, I expect to know what to do and how to do it.
L
Larry Templeton
About 45 kn
We were beating up the straits of San Juan de Fuca off of Victoria, BC one afternoon. The wind kept building. When it reached about 45 kn, our headway went to zero. A 2 kn current on the bow didn't help. It wasn't rough or scary, we just weren't getting anywhere. So, after being cold and very windblown for an hour, we made a 180 and headed back downwind. Transformed the afternoon into one that was warm and peaceful! I'm always amazed at how a 180 can change the entire experience.
We were beating up the straits of San Juan de Fuca off of Victoria, BC one afternoon. The wind kept building. When it reached about 45 kn, our headway went to zero. A 2 kn current on the bow didn't help. It wasn't rough or scary, we just weren't getting anywhere. So, after being cold and very windblown for an hour, we made a 180 and headed back downwind. Transformed the afternoon into one that was warm and peaceful! I'm always amazed at how a 180 can change the entire experience.
R
Ray
hurricane
In the summer of '66 my brother and me, we were 15 and 17, decided to sail out to meet a hurricane off Mobile. Short version, when winds built to over 100, we were down to poles, then to just shrouds...but still managed to make 15 kts just by standing on the deck with our hands turned flat to the wind. The waves were huge. We made it back on the tidal surge and docked our O'day 22 on the top of the post office. Great ride. My brother's now a war strategist for the Bush Administration. He's was in charge of the Iraq invasion...his idea.
In the summer of '66 my brother and me, we were 15 and 17, decided to sail out to meet a hurricane off Mobile. Short version, when winds built to over 100, we were down to poles, then to just shrouds...but still managed to make 15 kts just by standing on the deck with our hands turned flat to the wind. The waves were huge. We made it back on the tidal surge and docked our O'day 22 on the top of the post office. Great ride. My brother's now a war strategist for the Bush Administration. He's was in charge of the Iraq invasion...his idea.
D
Don
C
Capt. Greg Handal
Summer Squall
Last summer coming into the Stono Inlet with my brother and his wife, we looked behind us and saw another sailboat that looked out of control about 1.5 km away. We scrathed our heads when we found out in short order what was going on. The winds suddenly picked up to app/50kts. and we were going downwind, headed for the Folly River entrance. I was concerned for a shift in the wind direction causing a jibe and tearing things up. We made the Folly River, and went on a beam reach, where I was able to furl the jib and later reached some cover to let down the main. My sister-in-law was puzzled over my brother's and my concern over the situation. She had a blast and thought it quite fun. Those situations happen, and it is always a good feeling when you come out unscathed. Greg Water Music Charters of Folly Beach www.watermusiccharters.com
Last summer coming into the Stono Inlet with my brother and his wife, we looked behind us and saw another sailboat that looked out of control about 1.5 km away. We scrathed our heads when we found out in short order what was going on. The winds suddenly picked up to app/50kts. and we were going downwind, headed for the Folly River entrance. I was concerned for a shift in the wind direction causing a jibe and tearing things up. We made the Folly River, and went on a beam reach, where I was able to furl the jib and later reached some cover to let down the main. My sister-in-law was puzzled over my brother's and my concern over the situation. She had a blast and thought it quite fun. Those situations happen, and it is always a good feeling when you come out unscathed. Greg Water Music Charters of Folly Beach www.watermusiccharters.com
B
Blaise Pierson
wind
We raced my boat in forty five kts with a full main and a blade. Very controllable. I have an Excellant crew. On our first TransAt, we tore the clew out of the second set of reef points on the main while carrying a very flat spinnaker on a beam reach in 38 kts. Very exciting sailing. On the way back to the US we were caught in a very bad storm and ended up taking the storm jib down in 70+ and just motored into the waves. That was a long night. Having sailed my boat for over twentyfive years, I know that the boat will take more than I will.
We raced my boat in forty five kts with a full main and a blade. Very controllable. I have an Excellant crew. On our first TransAt, we tore the clew out of the second set of reef points on the main while carrying a very flat spinnaker on a beam reach in 38 kts. Very exciting sailing. On the way back to the US we were caught in a very bad storm and ended up taking the storm jib down in 70+ and just motored into the waves. That was a long night. Having sailed my boat for over twentyfive years, I know that the boat will take more than I will.
P
Pirate
45+
I've sailed in whatever conditions that get served to me. The boat is always better able to deal with the wind than the crew. Commit to being able to shorten sail to control the boat in whatever comes your way ... if there is a possibility of more wind than you are ready for, don't sail. Ill-equipped boats and sailors get into trouble. My wife and I sailed a 58 nm race in average wind over 30 with gusts 50+ (reported by the other boats) in a Santana 22. We were fine as long as we kept our heads and let the boat help. Once had the C30 surfing at 12.4 SOG (GPS) in 30+ with a reefed main and #3. That was pushing into the stupid zone ... if we had not been racing we would have shortened sail further and had a much more pleasant day. If you sail in big wind, know the limits of your boat and your crew. It may be 25 knots until you done it a few times. Raise your limits as you get more experience. Reef early and get the foulies on *before* you are wet and cold. As long as you think you are one step ahead of the conditions, you probably will be. Be wary of building wind when sailing downwind, when you turn up it can get nasty. I've been sailing for 40 years and the change in apparent wind from a broad reach to a beat still catches me with too much sail up now and then.
I've sailed in whatever conditions that get served to me. The boat is always better able to deal with the wind than the crew. Commit to being able to shorten sail to control the boat in whatever comes your way ... if there is a possibility of more wind than you are ready for, don't sail. Ill-equipped boats and sailors get into trouble. My wife and I sailed a 58 nm race in average wind over 30 with gusts 50+ (reported by the other boats) in a Santana 22. We were fine as long as we kept our heads and let the boat help. Once had the C30 surfing at 12.4 SOG (GPS) in 30+ with a reefed main and #3. That was pushing into the stupid zone ... if we had not been racing we would have shortened sail further and had a much more pleasant day. If you sail in big wind, know the limits of your boat and your crew. It may be 25 knots until you done it a few times. Raise your limits as you get more experience. Reef early and get the foulies on *before* you are wet and cold. As long as you think you are one step ahead of the conditions, you probably will be. Be wary of building wind when sailing downwind, when you turn up it can get nasty. I've been sailing for 40 years and the change in apparent wind from a broad reach to a beat still catches me with too much sail up now and then.
E
Ernest F. Brodie, Sr.
Fair wind sailor
I have too much free board to deal with. It is very difficult to put into the slip when the winds are too strong and reverse with my outboard is worthless in these condiditons.
I have too much free board to deal with. It is very difficult to put into the slip when the winds are too strong and reverse with my outboard is worthless in these condiditons.
K
Kenneth Edwards Jr.
gale
We sail an old C-30 (1976) Every year my wife and I go somewhere for our aniversary (First weekend in June) We were on our way to Block Island. We saw a front comming through as we were getting ready to leave the protected waters of Fisher's Island Sound. We may have stopped in Stonington if the kids were with us, but it is our one weekend alone. We continued in 4-5 foot seas. I don't have wind speed (I probaly would rather not know). The boat did well, the whole crossing on the rail with reduced sail. (It's hard to bury the rail, and keep it there) Only one green wave entered the cockpit. It happened when I looked below for a moment, and took my eyes off the seas. When we reached new harbor we overheard the coast guard tell one of their vessels that had taken refuge there that the gale was just being taken down. We often go in small craft warnings, but not in a gale. Lesson learned - check weather before venturing out.
We sail an old C-30 (1976) Every year my wife and I go somewhere for our aniversary (First weekend in June) We were on our way to Block Island. We saw a front comming through as we were getting ready to leave the protected waters of Fisher's Island Sound. We may have stopped in Stonington if the kids were with us, but it is our one weekend alone. We continued in 4-5 foot seas. I don't have wind speed (I probaly would rather not know). The boat did well, the whole crossing on the rail with reduced sail. (It's hard to bury the rail, and keep it there) Only one green wave entered the cockpit. It happened when I looked below for a moment, and took my eyes off the seas. When we reached new harbor we overheard the coast guard tell one of their vessels that had taken refuge there that the gale was just being taken down. We often go in small craft warnings, but not in a gale. Lesson learned - check weather before venturing out.
G
Greg Beardmore
50+
In a Mac race several years ago we experieinced sustained winds of over 50 knots for over 1/2 hour. The highes gust I've ever experienced was in a Clipper Cup race across Lake Michigan. As sever squall came through and we saw 86 knots on the wind machine right before the cups at the top of the mast blew off!
In a Mac race several years ago we experieinced sustained winds of over 50 knots for over 1/2 hour. The highes gust I've ever experienced was in a Clipper Cup race across Lake Michigan. As sever squall came through and we saw 86 knots on the wind machine right before the cups at the top of the mast blew off!
W
whish86
60ish
Got caught in one of those "microbursts" with the main still up. I saw it coming but it was such a nice day I just doused the spinnaker and left the main on; big mistake! Got knocked flat for I guess about 5 minutes with company on board. It was unbelieveable; had the main been down it would have been comfortable motoring into it. Next time I'll know better. Other than that I've sailed several times in 35 to 40 knots steady in the chesapeake and bahamas with no problems.
Got caught in one of those "microbursts" with the main still up. I saw it coming but it was such a nice day I just doused the spinnaker and left the main on; big mistake! Got knocked flat for I guess about 5 minutes with company on board. It was unbelieveable; had the main been down it would have been comfortable motoring into it. Next time I'll know better. Other than that I've sailed several times in 35 to 40 knots steady in the chesapeake and bahamas with no problems.
K
Ken Yeomans
Caught in the Gulf
During one of the Galveston to Biloxi Races in the early '90's, we were caught in a developing low pressure system in the Gulf. Seas built and winds increased to 40 steady with gusts over 55. Of the 27 boats that started the race, only 2 finished, and one them suffered extreme damage to the carbon fiber hull rendering it a total loss. Hope to never be there again!
During one of the Galveston to Biloxi Races in the early '90's, we were caught in a developing low pressure system in the Gulf. Seas built and winds increased to 40 steady with gusts over 55. Of the 27 boats that started the race, only 2 finished, and one them suffered extreme damage to the carbon fiber hull rendering it a total loss. Hope to never be there again!
M
Michael
But NOAA showed 7 to 12 Kts...
I was attempting to take my boat from San Francisco to Santa Cruz for the first time. I had only been sailing the big boat for a year, but I had done a lot of sailing in that year and was feeling pretty confident. I had even made a trip to Half Moon Bay on another boat. It was calm and we motored most of the way down and back so I thought to myself no big deal. I had two new guys that had never sailed but where up for the adventure, and one who had experience, but not like this (mistake, should have taken someone with actual offshore experience). We got started later than I would have liked because people were late getting there and getting settled in, but we decided to go anyhow since it had taken so much to get all the planets lined up to do this (mistake, should have called it off when I missed my weather and tide window). We headed out the gate, NOAA showed 7-12 kts of wind 4-6 ft swell on their web site the night before. I had seen that kind of weather before so I thought it would be fine. By the time we went under the gate, I had a double reef in and no jib. I was told somewhere that the winds would calm down once I got out a ways from the gate. But it didn't calm down and the swell was growing. The winds were steady 32 kts, and gusting to 40. The swell must have been 10' to 12' it seemed like a lot more! I was experiencing weather helm so I dropped the main and was motoring into the wind and waves that were blowing straight at the gate (mistake, I should have had a storm jib up at a minimum to keep the boat sailing). I was trying not to go to fast but keep headway on, because we were plowing into the waves and water was washing over the deck and down the companionway, even though we had closed it! Thank goodness for the dodger! We decided to turn south (mistake, did not check the chart so I did not realize the reason we were in such steep waves was because the shallow area we were in, we were supposed to go out to the sea buoy before we turned south!). Immediately I had my hands full, I was trying to point the bow in to the oncoming waves but at a steep enough angle as not to broach, but it didn't work too well. We got tossed by a wave and the boat landed on her side in the bottom of the trough, she righted herself and then we were tossed again. I then noticed the lee shore was getting too close for comfort. I headed up into the wind again, it was still pounding, but at least we weren't layin' on the side! Stuff was getting thrown around below, people were getting sick, I looked around and everyone's eyeballs were the size of softballs and they were all looking at me with this what the hell are we going to do look in their eyes! I was trying to act calm, like this was no big deal, trying to belay their fears but I knew they were getting scared and I was starting to question why things weren't working out as I had planned. It was that moment that I decided to call it off. The hard part was timing the swell to turn the boat around. But once that was done, we had a great time surfin' the waves all the way back through the Golden Gate. I learned a lot of lessons that day! The swell made the 30 kts chop in the bay look tame. I finally made it to Santa Cruz another day. I made sure that I did not repeat the errors that I made before and it was a much more enjoyable trip!
I was attempting to take my boat from San Francisco to Santa Cruz for the first time. I had only been sailing the big boat for a year, but I had done a lot of sailing in that year and was feeling pretty confident. I had even made a trip to Half Moon Bay on another boat. It was calm and we motored most of the way down and back so I thought to myself no big deal. I had two new guys that had never sailed but where up for the adventure, and one who had experience, but not like this (mistake, should have taken someone with actual offshore experience). We got started later than I would have liked because people were late getting there and getting settled in, but we decided to go anyhow since it had taken so much to get all the planets lined up to do this (mistake, should have called it off when I missed my weather and tide window). We headed out the gate, NOAA showed 7-12 kts of wind 4-6 ft swell on their web site the night before. I had seen that kind of weather before so I thought it would be fine. By the time we went under the gate, I had a double reef in and no jib. I was told somewhere that the winds would calm down once I got out a ways from the gate. But it didn't calm down and the swell was growing. The winds were steady 32 kts, and gusting to 40. The swell must have been 10' to 12' it seemed like a lot more! I was experiencing weather helm so I dropped the main and was motoring into the wind and waves that were blowing straight at the gate (mistake, I should have had a storm jib up at a minimum to keep the boat sailing). I was trying not to go to fast but keep headway on, because we were plowing into the waves and water was washing over the deck and down the companionway, even though we had closed it! Thank goodness for the dodger! We decided to turn south (mistake, did not check the chart so I did not realize the reason we were in such steep waves was because the shallow area we were in, we were supposed to go out to the sea buoy before we turned south!). Immediately I had my hands full, I was trying to point the bow in to the oncoming waves but at a steep enough angle as not to broach, but it didn't work too well. We got tossed by a wave and the boat landed on her side in the bottom of the trough, she righted herself and then we were tossed again. I then noticed the lee shore was getting too close for comfort. I headed up into the wind again, it was still pounding, but at least we weren't layin' on the side! Stuff was getting thrown around below, people were getting sick, I looked around and everyone's eyeballs were the size of softballs and they were all looking at me with this what the hell are we going to do look in their eyes! I was trying to act calm, like this was no big deal, trying to belay their fears but I knew they were getting scared and I was starting to question why things weren't working out as I had planned. It was that moment that I decided to call it off. The hard part was timing the swell to turn the boat around. But once that was done, we had a great time surfin' the waves all the way back through the Golden Gate. I learned a lot of lessons that day! The swell made the 30 kts chop in the bay look tame. I finally made it to Santa Cruz another day. I made sure that I did not repeat the errors that I made before and it was a much more enjoyable trip!
D
dr dave parker
caught out in force 8-9
On the way home from Hawaii, some years ago in my ketch ASTREA I was "caught out" in one of those August Pacific tropical depressions. I logged the winds as force 8-9 for three days and Moderate gale for three more. I was beam reaching, and had dropped the mizzen and jib, carying on with a very heavy mains'l. The dilemma was that the seas sweeping the boat from abeam made it a risky business to go forward and reef, so I decided to just carry on and "blow 'em away". Under my windvane and main alone we reeled off 1250 miles in six days!( This is estimated from VERY questionable observations of the sun before and after the gale. As a result of my dumb decision ( We had no harnesses in those days, and I didn't even know what a jackline was!) My log reads.."L ost our weather cloths, our dinghy cover, dinghy mast and sail. Lost twenty five glass fishing balls I had picked up drifting in the Pacific high..Looks like my six days of gales are over.. Hooray for sunday sailing!" Later, as I made port I noticed that ALL the varnish was literally stripped from the weather sides of both masts, as was a lot of the paint from the hull, simply blasted off by the wind driven spray. I never tried to verify the wind strengths, the weather office in those days simply had no way of knowing, but some tankers in the general area reported steady 50-60 kt gusting 75. Did it scare me? you bet! only a fool could look at those seas, and watch the green water covering ALL the ports and remain unmoved...Did it stop me from sailing ? No, I made several more Hawaii passages in later years, and never again found such breezes and seas on the passage. I moved to the gulf coast and have weathered two hurricanes and innumerable tropical storms. The locals just consider them a nuisance!
On the way home from Hawaii, some years ago in my ketch ASTREA I was "caught out" in one of those August Pacific tropical depressions. I logged the winds as force 8-9 for three days and Moderate gale for three more. I was beam reaching, and had dropped the mizzen and jib, carying on with a very heavy mains'l. The dilemma was that the seas sweeping the boat from abeam made it a risky business to go forward and reef, so I decided to just carry on and "blow 'em away". Under my windvane and main alone we reeled off 1250 miles in six days!( This is estimated from VERY questionable observations of the sun before and after the gale. As a result of my dumb decision ( We had no harnesses in those days, and I didn't even know what a jackline was!) My log reads.."L ost our weather cloths, our dinghy cover, dinghy mast and sail. Lost twenty five glass fishing balls I had picked up drifting in the Pacific high..Looks like my six days of gales are over.. Hooray for sunday sailing!" Later, as I made port I noticed that ALL the varnish was literally stripped from the weather sides of both masts, as was a lot of the paint from the hull, simply blasted off by the wind driven spray. I never tried to verify the wind strengths, the weather office in those days simply had no way of knowing, but some tankers in the general area reported steady 50-60 kt gusting 75. Did it scare me? you bet! only a fool could look at those seas, and watch the green water covering ALL the ports and remain unmoved...Did it stop me from sailing ? No, I made several more Hawaii passages in later years, and never again found such breezes and seas on the passage. I moved to the gulf coast and have weathered two hurricanes and innumerable tropical storms. The locals just consider them a nuisance!
P
Pete Pierson
I'm not alone, I guess
Got caught in a fast 50 kt. gale east of Oyster bay. Main up and jib out. After I released the main sheet the boat righted itself. We had a spreader in the water (not recommended). Droped sails but lost 4 inches off the jib. NOA had nothing on the radio. Now we watch the horizon and reef early!!
Got caught in a fast 50 kt. gale east of Oyster bay. Main up and jib out. After I released the main sheet the boat righted itself. We had a spreader in the water (not recommended). Droped sails but lost 4 inches off the jib. NOA had nothing on the radio. Now we watch the horizon and reef early!!
P
Paul Michaelis
Oh my gosh!
We were in an around the lighthouses race, at the farthest point when the storm hit. We were closehauled, carrying a 150 genny and full main when the initial gust struck. My crew consisted of several friends with minimal sailing and no racing experience. I sent the bowman to lower the jib, as he passed the mast we went into a trough that placed the bow under by about 3 feet. As we surfaced, like a submarine, the bowman came back to the cockpit and refused to work the jib. Fortunately, another crewman went forward, lowered the jib, and fought it into the forward hatch before another boarding sea came. During this time, the afterguard managed to double reef the main and get us under control. We finally had time to check the windspeed and the gusts were in excess of 40 knots. The entire event lasted about 15 to 20 minutes but seemed like 20 hours. Needless to say, afterwards, the standing rule was practice shortening sail before you need to.
We were in an around the lighthouses race, at the farthest point when the storm hit. We were closehauled, carrying a 150 genny and full main when the initial gust struck. My crew consisted of several friends with minimal sailing and no racing experience. I sent the bowman to lower the jib, as he passed the mast we went into a trough that placed the bow under by about 3 feet. As we surfaced, like a submarine, the bowman came back to the cockpit and refused to work the jib. Fortunately, another crewman went forward, lowered the jib, and fought it into the forward hatch before another boarding sea came. During this time, the afterguard managed to double reef the main and get us under control. We finally had time to check the windspeed and the gusts were in excess of 40 knots. The entire event lasted about 15 to 20 minutes but seemed like 20 hours. Needless to say, afterwards, the standing rule was practice shortening sail before you need to.
T
Tomm
1st day with the boat
4th of July I picked up my (New to me) 40 foot boat at Sodus and set sail for Sackets Harbor. This should have gotten me there after dark. Most of the day was a pleasant sail with 10 to 15 mph winds and nicely sunny. Then the winds picked up to about 35 mph and we were flying. Most of the trip was going with the wind so it was really just a lot of fun. We made it before the sun set and in plenty of time for the fire works. Looking back, I realize that we were very lucky. I had sailed alot as a kid but got away from it for about 20 years. This was my first boat as an owner and my crew was unexperienced. I was never worried and the boat performed well but I have to say that I'm glad we weren't on a reach. It was truly exciting!!!
4th of July I picked up my (New to me) 40 foot boat at Sodus and set sail for Sackets Harbor. This should have gotten me there after dark. Most of the day was a pleasant sail with 10 to 15 mph winds and nicely sunny. Then the winds picked up to about 35 mph and we were flying. Most of the trip was going with the wind so it was really just a lot of fun. We made it before the sun set and in plenty of time for the fire works. Looking back, I realize that we were very lucky. I had sailed alot as a kid but got away from it for about 20 years. This was my first boat as an owner and my crew was unexperienced. I was never worried and the boat performed well but I have to say that I'm glad we weren't on a reach. It was truly exciting!!!
S
Skip
Blown Away!!
We had a microburst come up on the lake and it had winds clocking in excess of 70MPH! Even with the jib furled and the main dropped and wrapped with shock cords we were moving at quite a clip until I dropped anchor and pointed her into the wind. It got pretty hairy that day. The rain was strictly horizontal. I saw waves over 4 feet on the lake. I don't want to do this again but it did make me realize what a safe boat my O'Day 27 is.
We had a microburst come up on the lake and it had winds clocking in excess of 70MPH! Even with the jib furled and the main dropped and wrapped with shock cords we were moving at quite a clip until I dropped anchor and pointed her into the wind. It got pretty hairy that day. The rain was strictly horizontal. I saw waves over 4 feet on the lake. I don't want to do this again but it did make me realize what a safe boat my O'Day 27 is.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.