Heavy weather is a major topic that could fill hundreds of pages (and many have already been written)... but above all, it requires practical experience that cannot be learned from books. We will therefore limit ourselves here to reminding aspiring sailors who wish to improve their nautical skills of some fundamentals to help guide them toward autonomy.
Seven, eight, nine, ten Beauforts... heavy weather does not forgive small mistakes that often go unnoticed in moderate winds. Hence the obligation to "sail cleanly" and properly supervise novice crew members when maneuvers become potentially dangerous: a poorly coiled line, a sheet released too early, or an uncertain movement could quickly, almost literally, "cost you an arm" (even if it’s not yours) when your responsibility as skipper is at stake!
Fortunately, sailors are not kamikazes, and this grim scenario can largely be avoided with good preparation. Anticipation is key... Additionally, when the boat and crew are safe, sailing in heavy weather can also be enjoyable. That’s why we strongly recommend that beginners make the effort to face heavy weather during training situations, so they are not left unprepared when the strong winds come.
If you’re more of a grasshopper, you’ll need to become an ant. To go far at sea, it’s better to keep your feet on the ground!
Some tips for preparing for heavy weather
1-Prepare the route
-Cross-reference weather data and choose the boat’s route. In coastal cruising, it is sometimes better to stay at sea rather than attempt a tricky port entry under challenging conditions;
-Plan fallback options or identify potential shelters if you are near the coast.
-Consider informing loved ones or the nearest semaphore of your situation to enable preventive radio monitoring.
2-Prepare the boat
-Stow and secure everything inside the boat to avoid unexpected "flying objects."
-Check the condition of the sails, standing rigging (shrouds, turnbuckles, chainplates), running rigging (wear on lines, blocks, and clutches), as well as the steering system (steering cables, rudder, etc.), not forgetting a quick engine inspection.
-Review safety equipment: lifelines, life jackets, and harnesses, first aid kit, hand flares, parachute rockets, smoke signals if available, condition of the anchor, towing line, liferaft attachment and deployment procedure, communication equipment, manual and electric bilge pumps, fire extinguishers, wooden plugs, etc.
3-Prepare the crew
-Ensure everyone is in the best physical condition to face heavy weather. Everyone should rest as much as possible beforehand.
-Eating well is also crucial for maintaining energy and morale. Prepare a substantial dish in advance, preferably something enjoyable and easy to reheat. A pressure cooker with a locked lid is ideal, as it won’t spill during a sudden lurch.
-Brief everyone on their responsibilities during shifts, off shifts, and in emergency procedures.
Some reading
*Heavy Weather Sailing*, Adlard Coles, Peter Bruce (Gallimard, 2010). The classic of the genre. Better than a thriller but pricier than a movie ticket, it’s worth it for the author’s real-world experience with storms.
*Le cours des Glénan* (Seuil, 2017). The “Bible” of sailing.
*Gros temps, tactique, manœuvres*, Alain Grée (Gallimard, 1984). A classic!
*A l’aise par gros temps* (Voiles et Voiliers Special Edition No. 49). Practical advice tailored for beginner sailors.
Heavy weather is a major topic that could fill hundreds of pages (and many have already been written)... but above all, it requires practical experience that cannot be learned from books. We will therefore limit ourselves here to reminding aspiring sailors who wish to improve their nautical skills of some fundamentals to help guide them toward autonomy.
Seven, eight, nine, ten Beauforts... heavy weather does not forgive small mistakes that often go unnoticed in moderate winds. Hence the obligation to "sail cleanly" and properly supervise novice crew members when maneuvers become potentially dangerous: a poorly coiled line, a sheet released too early, or an uncertain movement could quickly, almost literally, "cost you an arm" (even if it’s not yours) when your responsibility as skipper is at stake!
Fortunately, sailors are not kamikazes, and this grim scenario can largely be avoided with good preparation. Anticipation is key... Additionally, when the boat and crew are safe, sailing in heavy weather can also be enjoyable. That’s why we strongly recommend that beginners make the effort to face heavy weather during training situations, so they are not left unprepared when the strong winds come.
If you’re more of a grasshopper, you’ll need to become an ant. To go far at sea, it’s better to keep your feet on the ground!
Some tips for preparing for heavy weather
1-Prepare the route
-Cross-reference weather data and choose the boat’s route. In coastal cruising, it is sometimes better to stay at sea rather than attempt a tricky port entry under challenging conditions;
-Plan fallback options or identify potential shelters if you are near the coast.
-Consider informing loved ones or the nearest semaphore of your situation to enable preventive radio monitoring.
2-Prepare the boat
-Stow and secure everything inside the boat to avoid unexpected "flying objects."
-Check the condition of the sails, standing rigging (shrouds, turnbuckles, chainplates), running rigging (wear on lines, blocks, and clutches), as well as the steering system (steering cables, rudder, etc.), not forgetting a quick engine inspection.
-Review safety equipment: lifelines, life jackets, and harnesses, first aid kit, hand flares, parachute rockets, smoke signals if available, condition of the anchor, towing line, liferaft attachment and deployment procedure, communication equipment, manual and electric bilge pumps, fire extinguishers, wooden plugs, etc.
3-Prepare the crew
-Ensure everyone is in the best physical condition to face heavy weather. Everyone should rest as much as possible beforehand.
-Eating well is also crucial for maintaining energy and morale. Prepare a substantial dish in advance, preferably something enjoyable and easy to reheat. A pressure cooker with a locked lid is ideal, as it won’t spill during a sudden lurch.
-Brief everyone on their responsibilities during shifts, off shifts, and in emergency procedures.
Some reading
*Heavy Weather Sailing*, Adlard Coles, Peter Bruce (Gallimard, 2010). The classic of the genre. Better than a thriller but pricier than a movie ticket, it’s worth it for the author’s real-world experience with storms.
*Le cours des Glénan* (Seuil, 2017). The “Bible” of sailing.
*Gros temps, tactique, manœuvres*, Alain Grée (Gallimard, 1984). A classic!
*A l’aise par gros temps* (Voiles et Voiliers Special Edition No. 49). Practical advice tailored for beginner sailors.