When the coast gaurd and /or ports have small craft advisory, in this case, what size down is considered small craft. I thank you in advance. Scott
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Size doesn't matter!
Scott: Size does not matter nearly as much as a crafts ability to withstand the weather. What I'm saying is a 23' sailboat is probably a lot more seaworth than a open bow 23' runabout in these conditions. I found this for you but it really is a meanless term other than the fact that the weather is going to be bad.... "Small Craft Advisory: Observed or forecast winds of 18 to 33 knots - Small Craft Advisories may also be issued for hazardous sea conditions or lower wind speeds that may affect small craft operations. Issued up to 12 hours ahead of conditions. (There is no legal definition of the term "small craft".)"
Scott: Size does not matter nearly as much as a crafts ability to withstand the weather. What I'm saying is a 23' sailboat is probably a lot more seaworth than a open bow 23' runabout in these conditions. I found this for you but it really is a meanless term other than the fact that the weather is going to be bad.... "Small Craft Advisory: Observed or forecast winds of 18 to 33 knots - Small Craft Advisories may also be issued for hazardous sea conditions or lower wind speeds that may affect small craft operations. Issued up to 12 hours ahead of conditions. (There is no legal definition of the term "small craft".)"
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Alan Kibbe
The "small craft" in
small craft advisory is, by definition, any vessel less than 65'. Had that drummed into me years ago in a USPS course.
small craft advisory is, by definition, any vessel less than 65'. Had that drummed into me years ago in a USPS course.
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David
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Don Alexander
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Dan
Small Craft
I am not questioning that anything under 65' may be a "small craft". At 18 knots as a base for small craft warnings, the San Francisco Bay would be empty just about every afternoon from spring through fall, and many winter days. If you stray outside the gate (sometimes inside) you might even see gale conditions on any given day. I agree with Steve Dion. The issue is really about conditions and the ability of your craft and you to deal with the same. We crossed San Pablo Bay last summer on a day of small craft warnings and had winds up to 35 knots. No problem in our Hunter 290. There was an open boat crew we talked to in Benicia that morning that decided to stay put. Given the conditions, that made sense for them. I would rather be in a sailboat in small craft conditions than anything open and shallow draft in the same. Its all about judgement. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
I am not questioning that anything under 65' may be a "small craft". At 18 knots as a base for small craft warnings, the San Francisco Bay would be empty just about every afternoon from spring through fall, and many winter days. If you stray outside the gate (sometimes inside) you might even see gale conditions on any given day. I agree with Steve Dion. The issue is really about conditions and the ability of your craft and you to deal with the same. We crossed San Pablo Bay last summer on a day of small craft warnings and had winds up to 35 knots. No problem in our Hunter 290. There was an open boat crew we talked to in Benicia that morning that decided to stay put. Given the conditions, that made sense for them. I would rather be in a sailboat in small craft conditions than anything open and shallow draft in the same. Its all about judgement. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
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Chris Gonzales
It's a WARNING
Don't small craft warnings mean to beware, be careful, and use your head? Not necessarily to get off the water or don't go out today? Of course if I was planning a little "cruise" in a 12' aluminum boat.... I have sailed safely and fairly comfortably aboard my C30 in 40+ kts on San Francisco bay. Isn't 40 knots and above a gale? Last week we started off in very mild conditions and ended up in 20+ kts in the afternoon. Around here small craft warnings are commonplace. Gale warnings happen more often than I care to hear. But I feel pretty confident about how my boat will do and what I will do in case of strong winds. Another important point is the fact that I am sailing in protected waters. SF bay is dangerous because of the cold water choppy water and strong currents, but there is always help close by if serious difficulties arise and a lee port is always close should you decide to get out of the mess and catch your breath.
Don't small craft warnings mean to beware, be careful, and use your head? Not necessarily to get off the water or don't go out today? Of course if I was planning a little "cruise" in a 12' aluminum boat.... I have sailed safely and fairly comfortably aboard my C30 in 40+ kts on San Francisco bay. Isn't 40 knots and above a gale? Last week we started off in very mild conditions and ended up in 20+ kts in the afternoon. Around here small craft warnings are commonplace. Gale warnings happen more often than I care to hear. But I feel pretty confident about how my boat will do and what I will do in case of strong winds. Another important point is the fact that I am sailing in protected waters. SF bay is dangerous because of the cold water choppy water and strong currents, but there is always help close by if serious difficulties arise and a lee port is always close should you decide to get out of the mess and catch your breath.
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Tom
Legally The CG does not have a definition
of what constitutes a "small craft" when they put out a "small craft advisory". It just pertains to certain expected wind speed over the next 12 hours.....typically most mid sized sailboats (27-40 feet) can handle this fine.......its just warning you that its going to be a bit "nasty"
of what constitutes a "small craft" when they put out a "small craft advisory". It just pertains to certain expected wind speed over the next 12 hours.....typically most mid sized sailboats (27-40 feet) can handle this fine.......its just warning you that its going to be a bit "nasty"
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Pete Albright
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Tom
Yes, BUT Check out what the government says on
their websites pertaining to Small Craft Advisories. This is from the NOAA Weather Radio they put out the marine weather forecasts. (Its their way of not being held liable.....probably a prudent thing to do) http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bro/boatips.htm
their websites pertaining to Small Craft Advisories. This is from the NOAA Weather Radio they put out the marine weather forecasts. (Its their way of not being held liable.....probably a prudent thing to do) http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bro/boatips.htm
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Jim Wallace
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Tom
Jim, Really?With regards to "small craft advisory"
Could you point me to the specific website or Coast Guard Publication where the Coast Guard specifies what size boat SPECIFICALLY refers to a "small craft advisory"? I just got Nigel Calders "Cruising Handbook" and it ALSO says (on page 505) that there is no legal definition of what constitutes a small craft when specifically refering to "small craft advisory". This is a NOAA weather radio definition and has little to do with the coast guard.
Could you point me to the specific website or Coast Guard Publication where the Coast Guard specifies what size boat SPECIFICALLY refers to a "small craft advisory"? I just got Nigel Calders "Cruising Handbook" and it ALSO says (on page 505) that there is no legal definition of what constitutes a small craft when specifically refering to "small craft advisory". This is a NOAA weather radio definition and has little to do with the coast guard.
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Darline S.
No Definition
I'm currently reading "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson. Pages 111 and 166 have information about small craft advisories, but do not mention the size of your boat. I quote "If the small craft warning flags are being flown, only experienced sailors should go out. The higher wind warnings mean no small craft should sail that day". Seems like commons sense to me, as the safety of you and your crew should always be paramount in your mind. Be safe !! Darline s/v "Exquisite Delight" Balboa 22
I'm currently reading "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson. Pages 111 and 166 have information about small craft advisories, but do not mention the size of your boat. I quote "If the small craft warning flags are being flown, only experienced sailors should go out. The higher wind warnings mean no small craft should sail that day". Seems like commons sense to me, as the safety of you and your crew should always be paramount in your mind. Be safe !! Darline s/v "Exquisite Delight" Balboa 22
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