Storm Sails: Heavy Weather Sailing

Rigging and Operating Storm Sails

Storm jib

1. Positioning and attachment: Using compatible hanks or sail slides, the jib should be attached to the forestay or inner forestay. This ensures a secured connection between the sail and the boat, preventing potential damage or issues during storms.
2. Sheets, halyards, sail slides, and winches: Attach the storm jib sheets to the sail clew and ensure they run smoothly through the sheet leads or fairleads. Hoist the sail using the jib halyard, ensuring the sail slides or hanks are properly seated on the forestay. Use the winches to adjust the sheet tension.

Attaching and Adjusting Storm Jib and Storm Trysail

Attach them using hanks, sail slides, or other compatible methods, securely connecting them to the forestay for a storm jib or mast track for a trysail. Continuously evaluate sail tension and trim to maintain optimal performance and control during heavy weather.

Safety considerations

Harness and tether use: When installing or adjusting sails on deck, always wear a safety harness and tether to minimize the risk of injury or accidents. Ensure the crew is trained in proper safety procedures and prepared for the challenges.

Heavy Weather Preparation

Pre-sailing modifications and equipment

Before setting sail, make necessary adjustments to your boat based on expected weather conditions. These might include tightening rigging, checking the strength of attachment points, and having a selection of storm sails sized appropriately for your vessel. Ensure that safety gear and essential tools are onboard and readily accessible.

Strategic Planning, Crew Communication, and Preparation

Develop a sailing plan addressing the expected weather conditions, course alterations, and potential safe-havens. Share this plan with your crew, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, and establish clear communication protocols for heavy weather situations. Conduct training on deploying and handling storm sails efficiently to ensure the crew is well-prepared for any challenges.

Heavy Weather Sailing Tactics

Sailing in waves

1. Seamanship and steering: Good seamanship is critical when facing large waves. Focus on maintaining a steady course and adapting to the motion of the boat to steer through challenging conditions.
2. Avoid sailing on a reach across tall breaking waves: Sailing on a reach across breaking waves can increase the risk of knockdowns or broaching. Adjusting your course to maintain a safe angle to the waves can help reduce this risk.
3. Tacking in relatively smooth water: Try to do so in smoother water. Time your tacks to coincide with a lull in the wave action, reducing stress on the boat and crew.

Storm strategy

1. Deciding whether to run for cover or head out to open water for sea room: Evaluate the severity and direction of the approaching storm to determine if running for cover in a safe harbor is feasible or if it’s wiser to seek greater sea room offshore.
2. Understanding the dangerous semicircle of the storm: Familiarize yourself with meteorology and the concept of the dangerous semicircle, which refers to the part of a cyclone where conditions are usually worse. Adjusting your course accordingly can help you avoid the worst of a storm.
3. Choosing the Proper Sailing Angle: To maintain control in heavy weather, consider the wind and wave conditions and adjust your boat’s sailing angle accordingly, whether sailing upwind, downwind, or at a different angle relative to the wind.
4. Heave-to: Learn the method of heaving-to for your specific boat to maintain a secure position in a storm while conserving energy and providing respite for the crew.
5. Lie a’hull: In some cases, lying a’hull, or allowing the boat to drift freely without sails, can be a viable storm tactic, provided there are no obstructions or shipping lanes nearby.
6. Deploy a drag device: Using a drogue or sea anchor can help to slow the boat’s drift and maintain a more stable position during storms.
7. Third Reef vs Trisail debate: When a third reef option is available on your mainsail, carefully weigh its benefits and potential pitfalls versus a dedicated storm trysail.

Different tactics will work best for other boat types and conditions, so be prepared to adapt your approach based on the specifics of your vessel and the weather you encounter. Stay alert, make informed decisions, and rely on your training and experience to navigate safely.

Impact of Storm Sails on Vessel Performance

Speed and handling

Storm sails, being smaller and more robust, are designed to reduce the total exposed sail area. This significantly benefits the boat’s stability and handling during rough sea conditions, making the crew safer and more comfortable.

Optimizing Sail Balance and Trim

Ensure that your storm sails are balanced with other sails and maintain optimal trim based on changing weather conditions. Continuously monitor wind speed, direction, and boat handling to make necessary adjustments to maintain control, stability, and performance.

Impact of furled and partially furled sails on vessel performance

It’s essential to remember that using furled headsails or partially furled sails in heavy weather can significantly impact your boat’s performance. Fully furled can contribute to increased windage, while partially might not offer the necessary strength or control during strong winds. Opting for purpose-built storm sails is generally a safer and more efficient choice.

Color and Visibility of Storm Sails

Storm sails are often made in bright orange to ensure high visibility during heavy weather sailing. This vivid color stands out against the backdrop of waves, wind, and rain, making it easier for other vessels to spot your boat and avoid potential collisions. Additionally, bright orange storm sails can enhance search and rescue efforts if your boat faces difficulties or emergencies and reassure the crew.

Maintenance and Storage of Storm Sails

Inspection checklist

Regularly inspect your storm sails for wear, damage, or UV degradation. Pay close attention to the following aspects during the inspection:

1. Sailcloth: Check for any rips, tears, fraying, or discoloration of the material.
2. Stitching: Ensure all stitching is intact, without loose threads or visible wear.
3. UV resistance: Assess the overall condition and strength of the sail, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight, to ensure the UV-resistant properties are still effective.
4. Hardware (grommets, slides, etc.): Examine grommets, sail slides, hanks, and other hardware, ensuring they are securely attached and free of corrosion or damage.

Care, cleaning, and chafe prevention

Gently rinse your storm sails with fresh water after use to remove salt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing the sails aggressively, as it may damage the fabric. For chafe prevention, use chafe guards or sacrificial patches in areas where the sail may rub against the rigging or other surfaces while in use.

Storage considerations

Store your storm sails in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity when not in use. Utilize sail bags, sail ties, or other protective storage options. Ensure that storm sails are easily accessible onboard your boat so that you can deploy them quickly in case of sudden heavy weather.

Alternatives to Traditional Storm Sails: Dacron Sleeve (Gale Sail)

Sailors seeking alternatives to traditional storm sails may consider using a Dacron sleeve, also known as a Gale Sail. 

Pros and cons 

Pros:

1. Easy setup: A sleeve can be hoisted over a furled headsail, eliminating the need to remove the primary sail before setting the storm jib.
2. Reduced windage: Attaching it over an already furled headsail can reduce windage compared to a partially furled or rolled-up headsail.
3. No need for a separate forestay: The Gale Sail can be set on the existing forestay, eliminating the need for dedicated storm sail hardware or additional sail changes during challenging conditions.

Cons:

1. Limited versatility: A Dacron sleeve might not provide optimum versatility in storm sail size and performance compared to a dedicated storm jib.
2. Increased chafe potential: Covering a headsail increases the risk of chafe between the sleeve and the underlying sail material, which may lead to wear over time.
3. Difficulty setting or dousing: Sometimes, hoisting or lowering the Gale Sail might be more challenging than a traditional storm jib, especially in difficult conditions.

Comparison with traditional storm jib

While the sleeve (Gale Sail) provides specific advantages, such as a simplified setup, it may not offer the same level of versatility, durability, and performance as a dedicated storm jib. Carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option, taking into account your sailing habits, expected weather conditions, and the design of your boat. When a dedicated storm jib is not viable, the Gale Sail is a practical alternative for many sailors. 

Common Challenges and Tips for Using Storm Sails

Chafe protection

Chafe on storm sails can result from constant rubbing against the rigging or other surfaces. To minimize chafe, regularly inspect for wear signs, add chafe guards or sacrificial patches to vulnerable areas, and adjust the sail’s tension and trim to reduce unnecessary movement.

Sail handling

Efficient sail handling during storm sail deployment is crucial to maintaining control of your vessel. Ensure that all crew members are well-prepared and familiar with their specific duties in hoisting, trimming, and dousing storm sails. In addition, practice setting storm sails in controlled conditions to improve your experience and confidence in more challenging situations.

Maneuverability

Maintaining maneuverability in heavy weather is essential for safely navigating rough seas. Familiarize yourself with your vessel’s handling characteristics under various sail configurations and ensure that your storm sails are properly balanced to optimize your boat’s performance. Continuously monitor the wind direction, speed, and sea state to make necessary sail trim adjustments.

Using Technology in Challenging Conditions

Integrating modern technology into your preparation and strategy can improve your overall experience, providing valuable tools to navigate challenging conditions. 

GPS and navigational tools 

Reliable GPS and navigational equipment are crucial during rough seas. Knowing your exact position, course, speed, and nearby navigational hazards will help you make informed decisions about your storm sailing strategy. Ensure that your navigational tools are well-maintained, up-to-date and that backup systems are in place.

Weather updates and communication systems

Access to regular weather updates enables you to plan and adapt your sailing strategy accordingly. Invest in reliable communication systems, such as satellite phones, VHF radios, or single sideband radios, ensuring you’re aware of developing weather patterns and can communicate with your crew, nearby boats, or shore-based support.

Autopilot and self-steering systems

Autopilot and self-steering systems can prove invaluable by maintaining a steady course and often reacting quicker to sudden wind shifts or gusts than a human helmsperson. Evaluate autopilot systems’ compatibility, reliability, overall performance, windvane self-steering, or other steering systems available for your specific boat type.

Multihulls 

Differences in sailing techniques for multihulls 

1. Reduced heeling: Multihulls generally heel less than monohulls, providing more stability and comfort for the crew in poor weather. However, this comes with less natural feedback from the boat, making it crucial to keep a close eye on wind speed, sail trim, and angle of attack to avoid overloading the boat.
2. Acceleration and deceleration: Due to their lightweight construction, multihulls can accelerate and decelerate quickly in response to gusts or lulls. Adjusting the sails accordingly and leaving enough space to maneuver when navigating rough sea conditions is essential to maintain control and stability.
3. Wide beam and bridge deck clearance: The wide beam of multihulls can reduce the risk of capsizing but, in turn, cause more slamming on the bridge deck when sailing windward. Sailors must choose a course that minimizes slamming, which may involve adjusting the angle of the waves and the apparent wind or simply slowing the boat down.

Suitable sail combinations for multihulls in extreme conditions

1. Reefed sails: Similar to monohulls, multihulls can benefit from a combination of a reefed mainsail and a storm jib, trysail, or small, roller-furled headsail. These sail combinations help maintain control without overloading the rig.
2. Speed control: Actively controlling the multihull’s speed is vital for managing extreme conditions, frequently adjusting the power of the sails to avoid overloading or excessive motion.
3. Drag devices and sea anchors: Deploying drag devices, such as a parachute sea anchor or a series drogue, can improve a multihull’s stability and control, particularly when running downwind.

Post-storm Procedures

Once a storm has passed, assessing your vessel, crew, and circumstances is essential to ensure safety and smoothly transition back to normal sailing conditions. 

Check position and update passage plan

After a storm, consult navigational tools to determine your vessel’s current position, and update your passage plan accordingly. Consider any potential alterations to the planned route, considering fuel consumption, food supplies, and crew fatigue.

Inspect boat and equipment, including chafe or wear and tear on sails

Conduct a thorough examination of your boat and its equipment, looking for signs of wear, chafe, or damage incurred during the storm. Address any issues that require immediate attention, and note anything that may need further maintenance or repairs later.

Return to normal watch-keeping routines

Resume your regular watch-keeping schedule as conditions settle, allowing crew members to rest and recover while maintaining a safe and efficient course. Ensure that the watch-keeper remains vigilant for any residual effects of the storm, such as large waves, strong gusts, or debris.

Final Thoughts 

Storm sails play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of your vessel during heavy weather sailing. By understanding the types, materials, and proper use of storm sails, as well as effectively applying heavy weather tactics, you can confidently navigate challenging conditions.

Investing in the right storm sails, maintaining them, and integrating modern technology can significantly enhance your sailing experience. Continuous preparation, learning from past encounters, and ensuring effective crew communication will further contribute to your success in mastering the wild waves.