Hello everyone, over here in the east coast we ofter get forecast of late afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. Sometimes they come but often times they don't. So far, I've canceled a few days of sailing due to the chance of thunderstorms. I was wondering what do you guys do in cases like this. Should I chance it and go out or just stay in??? Thanks, kp.
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John J
T'storms
In the South late afternoon T'storms are the norm. We just go and enjoy the day. If it looks like it is about to get nasty we either head for the dock, or roll up the sails, start the engine and enjoy the ride. Last summer my wife went below during one of these storms while I stayed at the wheel singing the theme from Gilligans Island, we still laugh about it.
In the South late afternoon T'storms are the norm. We just go and enjoy the day. If it looks like it is about to get nasty we either head for the dock, or roll up the sails, start the engine and enjoy the ride. Last summer my wife went below during one of these storms while I stayed at the wheel singing the theme from Gilligans Island, we still laugh about it.
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Patrick
Talk about a timely topic!
I just this afternoon took a 35 mile motor sail in my newly purchased Catalina 27. We had to move it from the previous owner's slip to mine. Our first shot was last weekend, but the remnants of a tropical storm nixed those plans. Today we had to content with a nearly stationary cold front right over the Chesapeake. Most of the squalls were just wet, but a couple contained a bunch of wind as well. I was deferring to the previous owner, but when we got caught with an unreefed main that we had to try to manhandle in 30-35 knots I promised myself that if I ever got in a case myself where there was a building storm I'd drop all canvas, power her up and head for home. The first part of the day was very pretty, however, so we would have missed at least some nice sailing if we had stayed at home because of the forecast alone. Patrick
I just this afternoon took a 35 mile motor sail in my newly purchased Catalina 27. We had to move it from the previous owner's slip to mine. Our first shot was last weekend, but the remnants of a tropical storm nixed those plans. Today we had to content with a nearly stationary cold front right over the Chesapeake. Most of the squalls were just wet, but a couple contained a bunch of wind as well. I was deferring to the previous owner, but when we got caught with an unreefed main that we had to try to manhandle in 30-35 knots I promised myself that if I ever got in a case myself where there was a building storm I'd drop all canvas, power her up and head for home. The first part of the day was very pretty, however, so we would have missed at least some nice sailing if we had stayed at home because of the forecast alone. Patrick
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Pete
Yesterday ...
was just that type of day on Long Island Sound. We decided to go out anyway and sail no more than 2 miles out. We kept a close eye on the sky, had no rain or thunderstorm problems, and enjoyed a great 2 hours. We may not always luck out, but as long as we stay close to home I am not too worried.
was just that type of day on Long Island Sound. We decided to go out anyway and sail no more than 2 miles out. We kept a close eye on the sky, had no rain or thunderstorm problems, and enjoyed a great 2 hours. We may not always luck out, but as long as we stay close to home I am not too worried.
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Rob Rich
risk divided by sailing ability...
In the south here, we almost always have a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. We go out pretty much regardless of that forecast. When the chances get above 50 percent, I begin to think about how long I will get to sail, versus how long I will spend at dock getting ready to do so. NOAA is usually my guide. As I get more familiar with my boat, I am much more likely to stay out in rougher weather, with a reef. However, I still run for port when an anvilhead pops up, or if thunder is heard. On our inland lake, it is hard to get out of the way of a storm, and anvilheads here usually bring winds of at least 30 mph or so. To make matters worse we always have a rocky leeward shore less than a mile or so away. With lightning and driving rain, I generally defer to mother nature. Last night was typical summer weather. We were chased in by a medium size t-storm. Made it back to the dock with an hour to spare. Winds hit 30 mph, lots of lightning. It was somewhat brief, and we could have rode through it, but it also could have been a 60 mph supercell (which I have had the displeasure of weathering). I figured "why chance it?" We ate burgers at the dock, had a few beers, and watched the incredible light show. I also went in and watched the weather channel, then radioed the info to friend anchored in a cove several miles away. He was very appreciative of the radar info, and decided to stay and weather it, since it was a smaller one. So long as you have a port in the back of your mind that you can duck into, you should be fine. Your passengers will probably appreciate being out of the tempest as well. Best Regards, Rob
In the south here, we almost always have a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. We go out pretty much regardless of that forecast. When the chances get above 50 percent, I begin to think about how long I will get to sail, versus how long I will spend at dock getting ready to do so. NOAA is usually my guide. As I get more familiar with my boat, I am much more likely to stay out in rougher weather, with a reef. However, I still run for port when an anvilhead pops up, or if thunder is heard. On our inland lake, it is hard to get out of the way of a storm, and anvilheads here usually bring winds of at least 30 mph or so. To make matters worse we always have a rocky leeward shore less than a mile or so away. With lightning and driving rain, I generally defer to mother nature. Last night was typical summer weather. We were chased in by a medium size t-storm. Made it back to the dock with an hour to spare. Winds hit 30 mph, lots of lightning. It was somewhat brief, and we could have rode through it, but it also could have been a 60 mph supercell (which I have had the displeasure of weathering). I figured "why chance it?" We ate burgers at the dock, had a few beers, and watched the incredible light show. I also went in and watched the weather channel, then radioed the info to friend anchored in a cove several miles away. He was very appreciative of the radar info, and decided to stay and weather it, since it was a smaller one. So long as you have a port in the back of your mind that you can duck into, you should be fine. Your passengers will probably appreciate being out of the tempest as well. Best Regards, Rob
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Bill B
Rain/Wind Yes - Lightning, Hummmm
I am docked about 5 miles up-river from the Gulf south of Tampa Bay. I decided to go down-river on Thursday evening and anchor with plans to hit the Gulf on Friday. As I was getting ready to cast-off, a storm developed and headed my way. If it had just been rain and wind, I would have gone ahead. But, there was heavy lightning in the storm. I decided to stay at the marina overnite and head out first thing Friday morning. The storm passed over with lightning popping all around. I felt better that there were taller things around than just me. I cast off early on Friday, and headed down-river. After about an hour, another storm started brewing, and headed my way. Fortunately, I was close to an anchorage, so I ducked in and anchored for about 3 hours and let the storm pass. After the storm, I headed out from the river toward an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It rained the whole way, but no lightning. There is water all around, so what's a little on me. There were storms all weekend, and I was fortunate to be anchored each round of lightning. I know that it is not going to make much difference whether I am moving or not, but psychologically, I am much more vunerable underway. I have sailed through some heavy rains and winds, and those are just part of the adventure, but lightning makes me pucker in places that I am not supposed to pucker. Each person has to feel comfortable with what he/she is doing. Rain just makes it a little harder to see, and wind just makes things faster IF you are prepared for it (By the time you think about reefing, it may be too late). Lightning, however, can just ruin my whole day!!! Fair Winds... Bill B. SV "Eagle's Nest" C-30
I am docked about 5 miles up-river from the Gulf south of Tampa Bay. I decided to go down-river on Thursday evening and anchor with plans to hit the Gulf on Friday. As I was getting ready to cast-off, a storm developed and headed my way. If it had just been rain and wind, I would have gone ahead. But, there was heavy lightning in the storm. I decided to stay at the marina overnite and head out first thing Friday morning. The storm passed over with lightning popping all around. I felt better that there were taller things around than just me. I cast off early on Friday, and headed down-river. After about an hour, another storm started brewing, and headed my way. Fortunately, I was close to an anchorage, so I ducked in and anchored for about 3 hours and let the storm pass. After the storm, I headed out from the river toward an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It rained the whole way, but no lightning. There is water all around, so what's a little on me. There were storms all weekend, and I was fortunate to be anchored each round of lightning. I know that it is not going to make much difference whether I am moving or not, but psychologically, I am much more vunerable underway. I have sailed through some heavy rains and winds, and those are just part of the adventure, but lightning makes me pucker in places that I am not supposed to pucker. Each person has to feel comfortable with what he/she is doing. Rain just makes it a little harder to see, and wind just makes things faster IF you are prepared for it (By the time you think about reefing, it may be too late). Lightning, however, can just ruin my whole day!!! Fair Winds... Bill B. SV "Eagle's Nest" C-30
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kp
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Michael Hagerman
Part of the Adventure
To paraphrase the old Navy recruiting commercial, it's not just a hobby, it's an adventure! Thunderstorms (along with sharks, hurricanes, waterspouts, etc.) are just part of the adventure. Having weathered a true Iowa thunderstorm in a 14-footer once (see below), I'm respectful but not paranoid about the New England thunderstorms we get from time to time. My usual approach is to check NOAA weather on the Internet and the radio. Come sailing day (as yesterday), we pack up and head for the boat. The irony is that some of the best sailing wind you'll find is either on the front or rear of a weather front. If there's lightning involved, however, I too suffer from the "pucker factor" and would rather be at the Club bar than on the water. When my kids were little (2-1/2 and 4 - they're 19 & 23 now), we rented a 14-footer with cuddy cabin on Lake Red Rock near Pella, Iowa (as in "Pella Windows"). The day started slow as we picnicked but then the clouds and wind livened things up. A rookie, I hadn't really studied the weather that day and didn't know of any thunderstorm warnings. We got completely soaked and scared the heck out of my ex-wife (who refused to don her life jacket), but survived 55 mph winds (I learned later) and dodged the lightening. All part of the adventure....
To paraphrase the old Navy recruiting commercial, it's not just a hobby, it's an adventure! Thunderstorms (along with sharks, hurricanes, waterspouts, etc.) are just part of the adventure. Having weathered a true Iowa thunderstorm in a 14-footer once (see below), I'm respectful but not paranoid about the New England thunderstorms we get from time to time. My usual approach is to check NOAA weather on the Internet and the radio. Come sailing day (as yesterday), we pack up and head for the boat. The irony is that some of the best sailing wind you'll find is either on the front or rear of a weather front. If there's lightning involved, however, I too suffer from the "pucker factor" and would rather be at the Club bar than on the water. When my kids were little (2-1/2 and 4 - they're 19 & 23 now), we rented a 14-footer with cuddy cabin on Lake Red Rock near Pella, Iowa (as in "Pella Windows"). The day started slow as we picnicked but then the clouds and wind livened things up. A rookie, I hadn't really studied the weather that day and didn't know of any thunderstorm warnings. We got completely soaked and scared the heck out of my ex-wife (who refused to don her life jacket), but survived 55 mph winds (I learned later) and dodged the lightening. All part of the adventure....
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Peter C.
Lightning!!
We sail our C320 in South Florida with the highest incidence of lightning strikes in the US. While we try to avoid thunderstorms we've been caught out in some intense lightning. Our only rule is to stay away from the mast and chainplates. In 30 years we never had a hit nor do I know anyone in a sailboat ever being struck. But it can happen and these minimum precautions are appropriate.
We sail our C320 in South Florida with the highest incidence of lightning strikes in the US. While we try to avoid thunderstorms we've been caught out in some intense lightning. Our only rule is to stay away from the mast and chainplates. In 30 years we never had a hit nor do I know anyone in a sailboat ever being struck. But it can happen and these minimum precautions are appropriate.
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Ernie April
Use RADAR to shade the odds in your favor
Hey, KP - Out on LIS, we usually see the T/S moving into the sound. If there is associated rain, I track the rain pattern on RADAR and can usually maneuver or motor-sail away from the storm or at least the worst part of the storm. If a T/S cannot be avoided, the key is to reduce sail and cecure loose gear well before the storm hits. I learned the hard way that once one hits - usually very sudden with wind from an entirely different direction - a knock-down situation can occur with inability to shorten or remove sail when needed most. Maybe I'm a bit "woosy", but I prefer by far to motor through an unavoidable T/S than sail through one - especially when single-handing. (I've also had a rare bare-pole knockdown - which is why I now use RADAR tracking.) Even so, I usually don't let a T/S forcast interfer with a good say of sailing. Ernie April (WindCatrcher, C-42 #618)
Hey, KP - Out on LIS, we usually see the T/S moving into the sound. If there is associated rain, I track the rain pattern on RADAR and can usually maneuver or motor-sail away from the storm or at least the worst part of the storm. If a T/S cannot be avoided, the key is to reduce sail and cecure loose gear well before the storm hits. I learned the hard way that once one hits - usually very sudden with wind from an entirely different direction - a knock-down situation can occur with inability to shorten or remove sail when needed most. Maybe I'm a bit "woosy", but I prefer by far to motor through an unavoidable T/S than sail through one - especially when single-handing. (I've also had a rare bare-pole knockdown - which is why I now use RADAR tracking.) Even so, I usually don't let a T/S forcast interfer with a good say of sailing. Ernie April (WindCatrcher, C-42 #618)
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Aldo
You have to do your own weather forecasting
KP: You got many great responses. What I have found is that you should listen to the weather radio and get their prediction. As you said, in the summer, there is almost always a chance of a summer thunderstorm. Then you have to watch the clouds, for the anvils, and scud lines, and watch for wind shifts. You will learn how they develop. Keep in mind places where you will anchor if a storm hits. Make sure that you don't have any sail up when one does hit. As mentioned in the previous responses, the wind from a thunderstorm can be 60 mph. I have seen this. Your anchor can hold you boat into this wind, but be ready for it. We recently were sailing back from the National Cruise on the Patuxent River on the Chesapeake Bay, and were hit by 3 squalls, north of Baltimore, just as predicted. I was never worried about the boat. The lightning was close, but it sure gave us stories to tell. I steered the boat into the wind and waves at anchor, until the storms passed. You can't wait until there is no chance of a thunder storm, or you will never enjoy your boat. You have to take some risk, but you should be prepared as to what you will do if the weather changes, and a thunder storm hits. Aldo
KP: You got many great responses. What I have found is that you should listen to the weather radio and get their prediction. As you said, in the summer, there is almost always a chance of a summer thunderstorm. Then you have to watch the clouds, for the anvils, and scud lines, and watch for wind shifts. You will learn how they develop. Keep in mind places where you will anchor if a storm hits. Make sure that you don't have any sail up when one does hit. As mentioned in the previous responses, the wind from a thunderstorm can be 60 mph. I have seen this. Your anchor can hold you boat into this wind, but be ready for it. We recently were sailing back from the National Cruise on the Patuxent River on the Chesapeake Bay, and were hit by 3 squalls, north of Baltimore, just as predicted. I was never worried about the boat. The lightning was close, but it sure gave us stories to tell. I steered the boat into the wind and waves at anchor, until the storms passed. You can't wait until there is no chance of a thunder storm, or you will never enjoy your boat. You have to take some risk, but you should be prepared as to what you will do if the weather changes, and a thunder storm hits. Aldo
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