Thunder haul

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A

AXEL

Keep the engine running!

I've sailed my Catalina 30 in more T-storms than I care to remember. With each one I always learn something new. I always drop and lash the sails and put the cabin boards in. Put on your rain gear. Staying warm and dry is very important! Whether underway or at anchor I run the engine. If anchored, I let out as much rode as possible and stay on deck steering the boat, keeping her into the wind and watching the anchor. If it starts to drag I will either cast it off or cut it free. I keep a small doughnut float at the end of the rode just in case this happens so I can go back and retrieve. If underway I try to keep the bow into the wind. In one particularly bad blow while sailing solo I called my position in to the local Coast Guard and reported back every 15. Always wear your life jacket.
 
T

Tony

Other boats

I have been caught a few times the worst was on way into Annapolis from the south. No visibility at all black sky 30-40 winds Essentially horizontal rain. In other words a Chesapeake 4pm typical storm. Usually can not get in in time and quite frankly do not want to be near "hard stuff' anyway. One important thing get a general bearing on boats around you before visibility vanishes. get sails down batten etc lifejax etc running lights have horn ready! note your position and course needed to stay nose in and have some idea how much room left on that course. amazing how easily you get disoriented in these storms. btw like to sail home in channel usually have southerlies after 4pm or so very pleasant can sometimes get a fine wing on wing ride usually rig a preventer i swear some days the southerlies smell like the ocean even this far north ..... ahhhh summer splashing next week after Easter Bunny leaves see you out there very soon t
 
E

ex-admin

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending April 16, 2006: My preferred strategy for dealing with a thunderstorm is: 34% Drop the sails and turn on the motor 30% Immediately head for home or nearby port  27% Reef the sails 10% Put down a hook and wait it out 1,246 owners responding
 
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