sailboat in big waves

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Sailing in waves: top tips to keep you safe at speed

Toby Heppell
August 9, 2021

Sailing in waves can be difficult, we find out about the best rough weather tactics to keep you sailing for speed, comfort, safety and enjoyment

Sailing in waves can make for a jarring, juddering experience and long, uncomfortable passages and at worst, a dangerous, boat-rolling hazard. However, it can also mean a thrilling surfing ride to your destination.

Understanding how to set up your boat for sailing in waves, to take advantage of them or ameliorate their worst traits is a skill that it is well worth understanding and practising in order to make your sailing more enjoyable, and to give you the confidence to sail in a wider range of conditions.

Sailing in waves downwind

‘Fairly obviously, the bigger the boat you sail the less of a problem waves generally are,’ say Merfyn Owen of Owen Clark Yacht Design, himself a double Cape Horner and former BT Global Challenge skipper with over 250,000 miles under his belt.

‘To take that to an extreme, if you think about an oil tanker in the middle of an ocean, a wave that would barely wet the deck for her would be something big enough to roll a cruising yacht.

‘It’s really all about the wave energy transfer and the object that the energy is being transferred through, in this case, the boat. So although size is key, when sailing with waves, speed is very much your friend, too, as the energy transfer will be reduced when you are travelling at pace.’

The ‘speed is your friend’ attitude can be difficult to get your head around. Typically it feels counterintuitive when sailing in big waves to want to speed up. Usually in these sort of extreme conditions, slower tends to feel safer but it is something we should all be trying to do in a following sea, to reduce the chance of broaching or being rolled.

‘If you take a fairly modern boat, they all tend to be easier to sail downwind in big waves for a couple of reasons, but one of the key reasons is that they are able to achieve higher sustained speeds downwind,’ says Neil Mackley of North Sails.

‘These days double digits downwind are not uncommon and even high teens are fairly regularly seen. You don’t have to go back too many years before 8 knots was the maximum many boats would be likely to see.’

The faster you sail downwind in waves, though, the more technique is required to reach your destination safely.

There are several factors at play here. Firstly, sailing at higher speeds when surfing down a wave gives your rudder movement greater impact in terms of direction change. Thus when surfing down a big wave, the boat accelerates and it is easy to oversteer and end up with big changes in direction, which also cause big changes in wind angle – a light touch is what is needed with small steering inputs.

The second factor is around choosing your angle down a wave to ensure you are heading in the right direction when you reach the troughs.

It’s not called surfing a wave for nothing, and it helps to think about how actual surfers make their way down a wave, never straight down the face, always at a perpendicular angle to the wave direction.

Photo: OnEdition

Just as the stern begins to lift, accelerate the boat by luffing to a reach. The bigger and faster the wave, the earlier and more extreme an angle change is required to get your boat speed close to that of the wave.

Once surfing, don’t steer straight down the wave: you’ll hit the one in front. If you stop, the wave will roll past and, significantly, your apparent wind angle will suddenly change.

Instead, turn so the boat slides along the face of the wave, upwind or downwind of the wave perpendicular; this extends the time surfing but also keeps the boat at a constant speed.

‘When the wave hits, something has to happen to that energy, which is a function of the wave’s weight and speed. The energy is transferred into the vessel and if the vessel is going relatively slowly and is relatively small then there is sufficient energy in the wave to roll the boat over,’ says Owen.

‘If a 36-footer that weighs 6-7 tonnes and is travelling downwind at 6-7 knots is hit by a wave that is travelling at 30 knots, it is going to be far more impacted than a 6-7 tonne trimaran going at 25 knots.

Understanding the motion of water in waves is key to understanding how best to sail through or with them

‘When the 30-knot wave hits, its relative velocity is 5 knots compared to 24 knots for the boat going at 6 knots. So all that energy and mass hits the boat and the result is that a certain percentage of that energy is transferred into the boat, which subsequently creates the roll. So the faster you can be going at the moment the wave hits, the better.’

Most of us do not sail in a multihull capable of making 20 knots downwind, but the point remains that the faster you can travel the better in terms of energy transfer.

Similarly, if the waves are not big enough to induce surfing or your boat is quite heavy and does not surf regularly down the face of the wave, the technique remains broadly the same.

The main difference when not surfing down waves are that the waves will be overtaking you so you are less likely to come to a stop sailing into the back of the next wave.

Nevertheless, the wave will still accelerate your boat and it is wise to head up just before the wave picks you up to increase speed and reduce the difference between the relative speeds of both wave and boat.

Rolling when sailing in waves

Steering down waves as above assumes the wave and wind direction are matched, allowing you to luff onto a broad reach on either gybe to ensure you are not sailing straight down the wave face.

There are, of course many situations in which you will encounter waves that are not in the same direction as the wind, so on one gybe it will be okay and on another it will be harder.

‘To some extent it is wise to think about taking the favoured gybe until the tide turns and the seastate reduces,’ says Owen. ‘There might be other factors, too; you may be able to get closer to the shore on the favoured gybe. Essentially, you should try to limit the time on the unfavoured gybe where possible and maximise time on the easier – and faster – gybe.’

Of course there are times when sailing in waves that they are going to roll the boat around and this is unavoidable, and it’s all but impossible to pick the perfect angle.

‘I think the biggest issue that a lot of people fear is the old death roll,’ comments Mackley. ‘That is a particular issue on older boats with a relatively wide beam but a narrow transom – they really tend to rock and roll all over the place.’

Rolling in waves is a big fear for many. Tightening the leech on your mainsail with your kicker will help, so will tightening the leech on your spinnaker with a tweaker line

The rolling Mackley mentions is born of a number of factors. In the simplest terms, a wider aft section provides more power downwind and enables the boat to sail faster. However, the effect can also be the result of the underwater shape of the boat reducing form stability.

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Ultimately it varies from hull shape to hull shape but as a rule, the wider-sterned modern cruisers tend to roll less.

‘There are things you can do to limit that roll, though, and at least provide a slightly less stressful experience. Broadly speaking you will want to sail with less twist in your sails, which helps reduce the rolling motion.

‘Essentially what is happening is if you have a quite open leech, the air escapes off the very top portion of the mainsail. So if you have a lot of twist in the mainsail then the sail at the top ends up being something like 90 ̊ off the centerline. Whereas the bottom of the main with the boom out will be much less than 90 ̊ to the centreline and so be holding power down low. It is the difference in the angle between those that induces rolling in the boat.

‘The top of the sail will spill wind, which allows the masthead to roll to windward and then the keel takes over and rolls you back upright and the whole thing just gets worse and worse. So applying leech tension via the kicking strap will give a more even leech profile and allow the wind to stay attached through the whole length of the leech.

‘With a spinnaker up, the same thing is true, but with the added difficulty that you have a soft leech and luff. The aim is to try and stop the spinnaker rotating round the front of the boat.’

Mackley says that this can be done in a number of ways. Firstly having a ‘tweaker’ line on the sheet is useful. Typically this is a block or ring that allows the sheet to run freely through it, which then runs down to another block on the toerail and to a cleat.

This acts to pull down on the spinnaker sheet but lets the sheet run through it and controls the amount of twist that develops in the leech of the spinnaker.

The result of pulling this on is to stop the leeward side of the spinnaker from rotating round the forestay. ‘There is also a tendency for some people to allow the spinnaker pole to be too far forward, which also allows the top of the spinnaker to float to windward, which also induces the roll,’ Mackley adds.

Sailing in waves downwind in light weather

Although not as intimidating as windier weather, sailing downwind with a following swell can be just as hard.

As a general rule, the difficulty in very light weather is that the swell in effect kills wind. As you accelerate down a big swell, quite often you will see the apparent wind switch from being behind you to in front of you as you overtake the wind.

Speed differences in this situation are fairly small. If there is a 5-knot true wind speed and you are sailing at 3 knots, a significant swell will easily accelerate the boat to 5 knots, at which point you are essentially sailing in 0 knots of wind.

Even though it is not necessary to sail down the face of the wave at an angle to prevent sailing into the next wave in lighter winds, as the waves will typically be moving faster than you are, it is still worth considering sailing more of a reaching angle to increase boat speed and so reduce the difference between apparent wind when sailing down the face of the wave and the true wind speed when not.

In lighter weather you are likely to experience the problem of the mainsail unloading as the boat accelerates down a wave. Using a preventer on the boom can easily solve this, but it is not uncommon to see a boat accelerating down the face of a wave, overtaking the wind at which point the mainsail backs and acts as a large air brake.

This is not going to do any great damage but it is going to slow you down quite a lot and it is better to either let the mainsail flop around a bit or find a faster angle, even if it is a longer route to your destination as you will likely get there quicker.

Sailing in waves upwind

Sailing into a heavy seaway, or even a moderate chop can significantly reduce your speed, pointing ability and comfort. As such, simply sailing into a seaway can make your journey less comfortable and much longer – a double whammy of discomfort.

But if your course to steer is upwind and into a seaway, what can we do without resorting to the engine?

To some extent the answer is condition-dependent, but the basics of wave sailing remain the same. The water in a wave moves in a circular motion: downwind at the top, upwind at the bottom. The essence of sailing over waves is all about ensuring you use the energy locked into the wave to your advantage.

It is for this reason the advice has always been to luff as you climb the face and bear off slightly over the back of the wave. The aim here is to ensure you spend as little time as possible in the peak by luffing, and then bearing away to keep reasonable way on and keep you sailing in a broadly straight line.

Additionally, as you slow down up the wave, the apparent wind moves aft, allowing you to luff further, while as you accelerate down the back of the wave the apparent wind moves forward.

The problem here, though, is the additional steering makes sail trim difficult to master. In flatter water, we can set sails up for the conditions and steer a straight course, safe in the knowledge that barring some significant change in the wind strength or direction the boat will be set up correctly.

‘When it is very windy and you are sailing in big waves it can be very difficult,’ says Mackley. ‘With the sails sheeted on there is not much space to luff and bear away.

‘If you have too much sail area then you get locked into sailing the boat in a very high mode and slowing each time a wave hits, as every time you try to bear away at the top of the wave you are overpowered.’

The trick in these conditions is to give yourself a sail set-up which offers the best power over a wide range of angles. Not only does steering over a wave change your angle to the wind, but the apparent wind will also be moving around a lot too. When you are in the trough and going quite slowly, then the apparent windspeed will be much lower. As you bear off over the peak of the wave, the apparent will be noticeably higher.

‘You should think about reefing earlier than you would normally when sailing in big waves upwind,’ says Owen. ‘When the waves are really big, as well as a difference in apparent wind speed, you will also get a lull in the trough and a gust at the peak, so setting the boat up for the maximum wind strength you are going to experience is important.’ Mackley agrees, explaining that if you normally would reef in 19-20 knots upwind, then in a big seaway you will probably want to put a reef in at 16-17 knots to allow you to drive the boat properly.

‘Sailing with more twisted sails is also key in the windier wavy conditions,’ says Mackley. ‘You might not need to reef, but you will certainly want to sail with a lot more twist in the mainsail and headsail.

‘Essentially what you are trying to do is give yourself a wider groove to sail in, so with a lot more twist in your sails you are able to keep the sail trim right for a higher percentage of the time.’

On a race boat, the trimmers will be focused on the bow and trimming on as it lifts and the boat starts to luff up the face of the wave and then easing the sheets slightly as the helm bears off over the back of the wave.

Plenty of twist in your sails will help with the apparent wind direction changes that occur in big waves, particularly upwind

By putting twist into the sails when cruising we allow for the sails to still be delivering some power through the course of steering without becoming overpowered at the peak and underpowered in the troughs.

‘It is worth remembering that this applies to all your sails. Particularly for boats with a large headsail it is well worth putting twist into the headsail by moving the headsail cars back. It’s often not something people do but it will make a huge difference to keeping the boat evenly powered through the waves and so keeping the boat moving and preventing the situation where she is heeling then sitting upright and then heeling again over and over.’

Sailing in waves upwind in the light

When the waves are not regular there are always high and low spots. Your focus needs to be on the water half a boat length or so in front of the bow. Steer for the obvious low spots as they appear and avoid the biggest highs: the larger the differences between highs and lows, the further it will be worth deviating from the mean course to minimise the effect of this obstacle course.

If there are no obvious high spots and low spots, sail freer and faster through the worst bits: your speed will at least ensure that the rig and foils are working, whereas trying to sail high and slowly will stall both and contribute to a slide to leeward.

To allow the boat to make good progress through the waves in light winds, we need to generate as much power as possible from the rig.

‘Trying to generate power in light winds and waves, means you are typically sailing with the sheet more eased and a lower mean angle,’ say Mackley. ‘You are not looking for the ultimate in terms of pointing but you are just trying to get the boat powered up and punching through the waves.

‘So you usually ease the sheet a few inches and sail with slightly less tension in the backstay to induce a little more power through headstay sag, which makes a fuller, more powerful sail.

‘You are generally trying to keep your sheeting angle a bit wider and more forgiving. As with windy sailing in waves, you are aiming for a forgiving sail set-up. We are not looking for absolute maximum upwind speed, you are more looking for the maximum forward speed all the time.’

Sailing in waves in extreme conditions

‘Upwind, even in severe waves, it is often okay as long as you can keep enough way on to continue to travel forwards. You will need to foot off quite a bit with very reduced sail but downwind, when a wave gets to a certain size it can be difficult,’ says Owen.

‘I’ve said that speed is your friend and that is certainly the case, but there is a point that you reach where you are going too fast and a broach, or worst a Chinese gybe becomes a very real possibility.

‘I would argue that slowing down is still not the right answer. Given what we know about how likely a wave travelling at speed is to roll a boat travelling at low speed then really you are just choosing the lesser of two evils by sailing quickly, and still reducing your likelihood of being rolled, even if that likelihood is quite high.

The key to sailing upwind in big waves is to make sure you keep enough way on to make progress

‘If you look at fast racing boats these days, they very rarely carry a drogue or similar. It’s not that it wouldn’t work, it’s just that you never have to use it because you have sufficient speed to be okay.

‘So on a boat like that, there is no condition that would ever warrant the need to use one. You are far better off just sailing through it and keeping the boat moving.’

There is always a moment when we need to consider backing out. For those on passage, hopefully you will have identified some ports you can retreat to in your standard passage planning.

If you find that you are struggling to make decent headway upwind in rough conditions, it could well be worth firing up the motor to help drive the boat up a wave face, preventing the keel and rudder from stalling, so you maintain control and avoid punitive leeway. Or perhaps you need to drop the sails altogether.

Usually, if you’re struggling to make decent headway, you can make rapid progress downwind, so identify your nearest safe port (hopefully one that is easy to get into and has sufficient depth) that is downwind of your location and head there.

When to use the motor in waves

When sailing in waves upwind, motorsailing will often help you get to your destination quicker. However, sailing in waves downwind, motorsailing is not usually a useful option as you will, often, be sailing faster than your engine would drive you, so you simply end up wasting fuel in order to have a prop spinning ineffectually under your hull.

With the right skills and attitude sailing in waves can be a great deal of fun, but much of your decision making does need to depend on your crew. If people are prone to seasickness, is there much point in continuing on?

Even if you are really struggling downwind, there is much to be said for taking control of the situation.

‘There have been certain situations I have faced, going downwind in waves, where the boat is rolling around and you are surfing down waves and at a certain point you know it is going to go wrong.

‘For me, I think the best option then is to take control of the situation, give the helm a shove and accept the broach. Sure, you may be knocked down but at least you are prepared for it, and you are being knocked down the right way and it is not a sudden Chinese gybe,’ says Mackley.

Sailing in waves with an autopilot

Autopilots and waves do not always make for the happiest of bedfellows. Things have improved, however, with newer systems able to identify pitch and yaw and adjust steering accordingly.

Even if you don’t have the absolute latest tech, many of us have a system that can steer to wind instead of relying purely on compass heading. This option can be extremely useful in wavy conditions but it is important to ensure you are setting up your autopilot correctly.

‘When sailing downwind, because of potential surging down waves and increased acceleration I almost always set my autopilot to steer to true wind direction,’ says Raymarine’s Greg Wells.

‘Upwind, my autopilot steers a better course than I can. I usually have that set to apparent wind as fluctuations in boatspeed are less dramatic.’

Beyond merely using the autopilot as a labour-saving device, a key use in waves can be to free up hands for sail trim. A key feature in waves is the need to either set your sails up to be forgiving, or trim more as the boat accelerates and decelerates. ‘Last summer, one of our customers was telling us that during the Fastnet they sailed almost the whole time on autopilot sailing two up. This is useful sailing downwind in waves, when it’s easy to become over or under trimmed, which could see you rolling around.’

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Riding the waves: how to sail and manoeuvre

Riding the waves: how to sail and manoeuvre

Sailing in high waves can feel a lot like riding a roller coaster. If you don't manoeuvre correctly, you might experience jolts and juddering, endure long, tiring legs of the journey, or risk capsizing or colliding with an obstacle or the shore. However, it can also be a truly exhilarating experience, literally surfing the waves to your destination. In order to make sailing the high seas comfortable and safe, it is essential to understand how different types of waves are formed, how they behave and everything that influences them.

Basics of sailing in waves

Every sailor should understand the behaviour of waves and be able to set up and trim the boat to make the most of them while minimising their negative effect on the ride. This is a fundamental skill that everyone who wants to ride a boat should practice and develop. It is the only way to get the most enjoyment out of sailing and to have the self-confidence to be able to sail in all conditions.

What is an ocean wave and how is it formed?

A sea wave is the movement of a mass of water set in motion by wind (aeolian waves) or ocean currents. Of course, waves can be caused by earthquakes, the eruption of an undersea volcano, a landslide, or a glacier, but these are extreme cases, so we will focus on the typical waves encountered at sea. Waves are the rising and falling movements of water, characterised by a peak (crest), the lowest point (trough) and height (the distance between the crest and the trough).

Graphic showing the characteristics of waves at sea

Wave period

Within the wave motion, the wave period is the time interval between the arrival of consecutive crests at a stationary point. The height and speed of waves depend not only on the direction and strength of the wind, but also on the water's surface area and depth. Different waves can add to or cancel each other out and have high inertia, so that they remain on the surface long after their source has disappeared. At the coast, waves tend to break and change shape.

Sailing in waves also depends on how big a boat you are sailing on. Logically, the bigger the boat, the less trouble the waves will cause you . Objects bounce on the waves and are carried by them because they take energy from the waves. In sailing, this means that while the size of the waves is important, it also depends on the speed at which you are sailing. Because speed reduces the amount of energy that is transferred from the waves to the boat, setting it in motion and rocking it. At first glance, you may think that increasing speed in big waves is not the way to go, and in extreme conditions, a slower pace feels safer. However, it is by increasing speed that you reduce the risk of capsizing and making the boat less manoeuverable. With today's yachts, which you can typically sail in the Mediterranean and Adriatic , it is easiest to achieve consistently higher speeds when sailing downwind.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Want to learn how to pilot your boat in waves under all conditions? Sign up for a course and get your skipper's license . Experienced instructors will explain everything in detail and you'll get plenty of practice being at the helm.

Sailing in the waves downwind

Modern boats can reach quite respectable speeds in waves when on a downwind course. However, the faster you go downwind, the more experience you need to have to manoeuvre your boat safely and reach your destination.

Several factors come into play when steering a yacht in downwind waves. When you are surfing a wave at high speed , the rudder becomes much more sensitive than usual, and you only have to make subtle adjustments when steering. Otherwise, you risk sudden and abrupt changes in course, in the direction of the real and apparent wind and incoming waves, which can rock or even capsize the boat. The second factor is to choose the angle at which you ride the wave so that you are heading in the right direction into its trough. A good example is surfers who never ride a wave straight, but always at a perpendicular angle to its direction .

White sails of yachts against a background of sea and sky in clouds

Match boat speed to wave speed

In practice, this means that as the stern of the boat starts to rise and the nose drops down, you should ease out of the waves slightly (that is, angle the rudder to leeward, turn the boat more upwind and possibly trim the sails) to give the boat more speed. The bigger and faster the wave is, the more you need to change course so that the boat's speed is as close to the speed of the wave as possible. The moment you start to surf the wave, do not head straight down into the wave. If you do, you will very likely dig the boat's tip into the previous wave, slow down sharply, the wave will roll past you, and the direction of the apparent wind will change substantially.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Wondering what kind of winds blow in the Mediterranean and how to sail in them? Take a look at the 7 most common winds you'll find in the Mediterranean .

In addition, when a wave hits a boat , it transfers its energy to the boat , and if the boat is comparatively small in relation to the wave and moving slowly, it cause it to capsize . The ideal is to angle the boat so that it glides along the side of the wave (regardless of whether you are riding it "uphill" or riding it "downhill" so to speak). In addition to extending the surf time on the wave, this will keep the boat at a constant speed.

Sailing in waves against the wind

Riding upwind and against waves is much more difficult and uncomfortable than riding downwind in waves. Even a slightly undulating surface can significantly reduce your speed and ability to stay on course . This can sailing quite a bit longer and you will also be less comfortable. However, if you have no choice but to sail upwind in waves, you'll want to know how to guide the boat so that you don't have to use the engine as additional propulsion. As in any situation, strategy and tactics depend on specific conditions, but the basic lessons remain the same.

A wave is created by the movement of a mass of water in a cycle — upwind at the top and downwind at the bottom. As always, you must ride the waves so that you can use their energy to your advantage and increase the speed of the boat. The general rule of thumb is that when riding a wave "uphill", you should tack the boat slightly , and on the crest of the wave when going "downhill", you should be able to ride the wave (that is, the helm should be deflected to windward, the boat will start to turn downwind and the helmsman or trimmer should ease the sails so as not to risk capsizing the boat). This manoeuvre is done to spend as little time as possible with the boat on top of the wave while keeping a more or less straight course despite manoeuvring into the waves.

A young woman in a yellow jacket and cap holding a rope on a boat

The apparent wind also plays a role here. When you slow down as you ride up a wave, the apparent wind changes direction and allows you to climb more and tack . Conversely, when riding down a wave, the boat speeds up and the apparent wind matches your need to drop off downwind. The disadvantage of this method of sailing into waves is that frequent course changes make it difficult to set and trim the sails optimally. If the waves are not too high, just set the sails on a straight course. As long as the wind strength or direction does not change, you can be pretty sure you have the trim right. In stronger winds and bigger waves, trimming is much more challenging. If your sails are too tight or loose, you will have a hard time trimming and dropping.

YACHTING.COM TIP: You should always take into account wind direction and strength, and the accompanying waves, when you're taking the boat out for longer crossings. Check out how to plan your sailing route properly .

How to set your sails in waves

The best way is to set the sails to have the best possible performance over the widest possible range of different courses . This will deal with changes in boat speed and associated changes in apparent wind. If the waves are really high, the reference point for setting the sails should be based on the maximum speed you can reach at the top of the wave. In waves, you should also reef the sails much earlier than in normal conditions. Another good trick and alternative to reefing when sailing in stronger winds and bigger waves is to furl the sails , that is, to set them so that the top half near the backstay releases some of its power. It is common on racing boats in regattas to have the trimmer working with the sails constantly as the waves come up.

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Sail trim 3: become a pro

When to start using the engine in waves.

If you and your boat are struggling to ride the waves, it's time to start thinking about using your engine to help you. Especially in lighter winds. While using the power of the engine makes sense when sailing upwind in waves and gets you to your destination faster, using the engine doesn't make much sense when sailing downwind in waves. Downwind, the boat usually has enough speed and the only result will be that you will use more fuel without achieving the desired performance.

For experienced skippers, helmsmen and crew who have logged many hours at sea, riding the waves is a fun and adrenaline-filled experience. However, if you have more beginners on board or crew members who are prone to getting seasick , or if the situation is generally beyond you, there is no point in worrying and continuing your journey. In these cases, always keep a list of marinas on your route handy to fall back on in challenging conditions.

Young woman suffers from seasickness during boat holiday

Riding the waves on autopilot

Autopilot and waves don't usually get along. Of course, technology is always evolving, and new systems of auto-navigation and auto-steering of the boat are becoming more and more sophisticated, allowing them to adjust the heel, change course and even work with apparent wind. Yet no instrument can replace the experienced eye and hand of the captain or helmsman. Technology and instruments should serve as an aid rather than an all-powerful tool . Even on a boat without the latest technology, it is often easy to rely on the system's calculations instead of just following the compass. So, if you want to use the autopilot in waves, you should be sure it is flawlessly and correctly set up.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you are sailing downwind in waves and you know that the boat will accelerate as it comes down from the crest of the wave into the trough, set the autopilot to follow the true wind direction. When riding waves upwind, the autopilot may actually maintain a better course than the person at the helm. In this case, it is worth setting the autopilot for apparent wind because the course changes are much smaller .

Tame the waves and enjoy a sailing adrenaline rush

Sailing in the waves has its own set of challenges that need a certain amount of skill and feel for steering the boat, as well as knowledge of navigation and navigational aids. However, if you grasp the fundamentals and understand the different sorts of waves and how they behave, riding the waves can be an unforgettable experience. As is always the case at sea, you need to be well prepared, assess your experience and strengths correctly, and don't put yourself at any unnecessary risk.

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Denisa Nguyenová

Faq: how to sail in big waves.

Sailing in waves can be a jarring, juddering experience, making for a long and uncomfortable passage, a thrilling surfing ride to your destination or, at worst, a dangerous, boat-rolling hazard.

Understanding how to set up your boat for differing wave conditions, to take advantage of them or ameliorate their worst traits is a skill that it is well worth understanding and practising in order to make your sailing more enjoyable, and to give you the confidence to sail in a wider range of conditions.

‘Fairly obviously, the bigger the boat you sail the less of a problem waves generally are, say Merfyn Owen of Owen Clark Yacht Design, himself a double Cape Horner and former BT Global Challenge skipper with over 250,000 miles under his belt. ‘To take that to an extreme, if you think about an oil tanker in the middle of an ocean, a wave that would barely wet the deck for her would be something big enough to roll a cruising yacht. It’s really all about the wave energy transfer and the object that the energy is being transferred through, in this case, the boat. So although size is key, when sailing with waves, speed is very much your friend, too, as the energy transfer will be reduced when you are travelling at pace.’

Once surfing, don’t steer straight down the wave: you'll hit the one in front. If you stop, the wave will roll past and, significantly, your apparent wind angle will suddenly change. Instead, turn so the boat slides along the face of the wave, upwind or downwind of the wave perpendicular; this extends the time surfing but also keeps the boat ata constant speed.

This story is from the February 2020 edition of Yachting Monthly.

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Dangerous waves and your boat

At what size do waves get big enough to cause real trouble for your boat?

by Steve Tredup

It’s dark. It’s storming. The waves, when you can see them, look large. And you are sailing a long way from land. One of the greatest concerns a sailor may have is that he or she will be caught in a situation where his boat may be knocked down or rolled by a wave.

Despite being frightened by stories about exceptionally dangerous storms, such as those that wreaked havoc on the 1979 Fastnet or 1998 Sydney to Hobart races, not all storms create dangerous breaking waves. But some storms do and a prudent sailor has to ask: Do I know what wave heights are dangerous to my boat? Do I know when breaking waves can occur? Do I know when these conditions might occur where I am sailing?

This is not about heavy weather sailing techniques, but knowing which waves caused by heavy weather may be dangerous.

Roll, roll, roll, your boat When is your boat in danger of being knocked down or rolled by a wave? A study conducted by the University of Southampton’s Department of Ship Science and a similar study by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) along with the United States Yacht Racing Union (now US Sailing) have shown that three conditions usually have to exist:

1. Wave height must exceed a certain percentage of the boat’s length. At this point the wave becomes dangerous and contains enough energy to overcome a boat’s righting moment.

2. The boat is broadside or oblique to the wave. The more a boat moves from being perpendicular to a wave, the greater the chance of a knock down. If the boat is bow or stern onto the wave, the chances of being rolled are greatly reduced. Yes, a boat can be pitch-poled (tossed end-over-end), but the size of the wave needed to do this greatly exceeds the size of the smaller wave needed to knock a boat down when broadside to a wave.

3. The boat is struck by a breaking wave. Unless the wave is breaking, the boat should ride up and over the wave regardless of the wave height in comparison to the boat length and the boat’s orientation to the wave. That is not to say that it will be comfortable or possibly cause the boat to go out of control. But without the wave breaking on the boat, the boat itself should not be knocked down.

An ocean wave is energy. Along with the speed of the wave, the larger the wave is, the more energy it will contain. Therefore, the wave has to be of a certain height in order to have enough energy to roll a boat of a certain length and displacement.

Most sailors would be surprised at the minimal wave height needed to roll a boat. Andrew Claughton (who co-authored the University of Southampton, Department of Ship Science’s report) writes in Adlard Coles’ Heavy Weather Sailing by Peter Bruce, “During the model tests that were carried out to investigate the problem, when the breaking wave was 30 percent of the hull length high, from trough to crest, it could capsize some yachts, while waves to a height of 60 percent of the hull length comfortably overwhelm all of the boats we tested.” So, the starting point for a wave to be dangerous to rolling a boat is one that is only 30 percent high as the boat is long.

In order to be rolled, a boat’s righting moment has to be overcome. Obviously, different boats will be more susceptible to rolling than others based on length, beam, displacement, roll inertia, and center of gravity. A monohull’s resistance to heeling is created by its centers of gravity and buoyancy. This resistance to heeling is called a boat’s righting moment, which is created by the horizontal distance from the boat’s center of gravity and the center of buoyancy as the boat tilts. The farther apart horizontally these points are, the more righting moment the boat has.

As a boat tilts farther over, it will eventually reach its maximum righting moment when the maximum horizontal distance between the centers of gravity and buoyancy is reached. If the boat tilts over more, the boat still has a positive righting moment but it will be decreasing. It will continue to decrease until the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy line up again, but the wrong way, which is known as the angle of vanishing stability (often beyond 90 degrees). The boat could then fall either way, but once the point of vanishing stability is passed, the boat will continue over until a new equilibrium is found, which could be a complete roll or an inverted position.

The wave will have to be breaking along its crest as it encounters the boat to roll the boat. At this point, the boat will be at the top of the wave face and will be tilted over by the steepness of the wave. When the breaking front of the wave hits the boat, it acts like a power force to throw the boat over, down the wave into the trough. How far the boat is knocked down depends on the energy of the wave and the righting moment of the boat.

Your boat may be more or less susceptible to rolling than other boats based on its design, but the aspects to remember are that although your boat may be severly tilted over by the wave front, the wave will have to be over 30 percent of the boat’s length, be breaking on the boat, and the boat will have to be orientated obliquely (beam on is the worse) to the wave to knock the boat down or completely roll the boat over. Unless the wave is so large that it pitch-poles the boat, a boat that is bow or stern onto the wave should not be rolled.

Wave background Local wind causes waves and as these waves get separated out of a localized wind, it is called swell. Swell from outside an area and local wind waves often interact. When a crest meets another crest, the result is the combined height of both. For example, the crest of a five-foot swell and the crest of four-foot wave would stack, resulting in a nine-foot wave (for a wave to double like this, it requires that both waves have very long and regular swells). However, if the crest meets a trough, then they cancel. In our example, this would result in a one-foot wave. All ranges in between will also be encountered.

Because of these interactions, waves will appear different from one another and may seem confused. Waves will appear across a large spectrum of sizes, although to a local observer, there will appear to be a general height. This is why wave forecasts, such as from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, give a range, such as six to eight feet, covering a broad area (called a wave field).

This range, though, is often misunderstood. First, the wave height given is the significant wave height, which is the average of the highest one-third of the waves that may be encountered. It is not the average of all waves, nor will all waves be in this range. Some waves will be smaller and some waves will be higher. In fact, you can expect to see a wave almost twice as high (!) as the significant wave height. This type of wave is rare, however, only showing up once every 3,000 waves.

Wave lesson Predicting dangerous breaking waves is complex. The best information that most sailors will have to rely on is the weather report. Therefore, when you are sailing, the wave forecast portion of the weather report is just as important as the rest of the report. The wave height (from bottom of the trough to the top of the crest) and the wave length (the distance from one crest to the next crest or one trough to the next trough) are the two pieces of critical information. Once you know the wave height and length, you can determine whether the waves will have the potential to be breaking or not in deep water.

A wave will collapse, or break, in deep water depending on the wave’s steepness. The base of the wave (trough to trough, i.e., the wave’s length) can only support a wave of a certain height. If it exceeds that height, the wave becomes too steep and it collapses and breaks forward.

There are some varying estimates of the scientific, precise moment when the wave will collapse, but generally, when the wave height exceeds the wave length at a 1:7 ratio, it may begin to collapse. This is called the wave’s breaking point, but I call it the “Rule of 7 or Less,” if the wave length is 7 times or less than the wave height, then the wave may break. This is true for any measurement type, feet or meters. For example, if the wave height is 15 feet, multiplying that by 7 will give a minimum wave length of 105 feet. If the wave length is 105 feet or less, then the wave has the potential to be breaking.

Is there danger? To know if you have entered a wave-height danger zone, you must first know what wave height is dangerous to your boat. Remember, a wave will have enough potential energy to knock your boat down starting at 30 percent of its length and certainly will be large enough if it is 60 percent of the boat’s length.

Using the weather forecast or manual prediction, you need to know the wave heights and lengths you will be expecting to encounter over the next day or so. Will the wave heights exceed your danger zone? Could another condition, such as more wind or a contrary current, suddenly make normally safe waves dangerous?

If yes, then you need to know if the waves will be breaking. If the wave length is 7 times or less than the wave’s height, then you should take precautions.

For example, using the minimum 30 percent wave height to boat length, if your boat is 40 feet long, then the wave-height danger zone starts at waves 12 feet high (40 x 30). A wave 12 feet high could knock down a boat 40 feet long if the boat is caught somewhere near beam onto the wave as it breaks. Following the Rule of 7 or Less, you know that a 12-foot wave could break only if the wave length is less than 84 feet (12 x 7).

In contrast, these conditions should not present a danger to a 40-foot boat even though some may find the below conditions worrisome.

If the wave is higher than 12 feet, but is not breaking (a non-breaking wave cannot throw the boat down into the trough); If the 12-foot-high wave’s length exceeds 84 feet (the wave will not be breaking); or If the wave is breaking, but the wave height is less than 12 feet (too small to overcome the boat’s righting moment).

To determine dangerous wave heights and lengths for your boat, you can use these formulas:

Danger Wave Height W Height = B Length x 30%

Danger Wave Length W Length < = W Height x 7

However, to make it easier, the accompanying chart (pg. 47) is designed for boats 30 to 60 feet based on a dangerous wave height of 30 percent of the boat’s length.

Knowing the wave conditions that may be a danger to rolling your boat will allow you to take action to avoid or prevent it.

Steve Tredup is a sailor who works in the insurance industry. Tredup lives near Chicago and sails on Lake Michigan.

By Ocean Navigator

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How To Sail Safely Through a Storm

How to sail safely through a storm, tips and tricks to help you get home safe.

Compared to the quick response and sudden nature of a squall , sailing through a storm in open water is an endurance contest. In addition to big wind, you’ll have to deal with big waves and crew fatigue.

Sailing in Waves

Sailing in big waves is a test of seamanship and steering, which is why you should put your best driver on the helm. Experienced dinghy sailors often are very good at heavy air steering, because they see “survival” weather more often than most cruisers.

Avoid sailing on a reach across tall breaking waves; they can roll a boat over. When sailing close-hauled in waves, aim toward flat spots while keeping speed up so you can steer. To reduce the chance of a wave washing across the deck, tack in relatively smooth water. A cubic foot of water weighs 64 pounds, so a wave can bring many hundreds of pounds of water across the deck.

Sailing on a run or broad reach in big waves is exhilarating, but be careful not to broach and bring the boat beam-to a breaker. Rig a preventer to hold the boom out.

Storm Sails

If reefing isn’t enough to reduce power, it’s time to dig out your storm sails — the storm trysail and storm jib. They may seem tiny, but since wind force rises exponentially, they’re the right size for a really big blow. Storm trysails are usually trimmed to the rail, but some modern ones are set on the boom. The storm jib should be set just forward of the mast to keep the sail plan’s center of effort near the boat’s center of lateral resistance. This helps keep the boat in balance.

Storm Strategy

The first decision before an approaching storm is the toughest: Run for cover, or head out to open water for sea room? With modern forecasting, a true storm will rarely arrive unannounced, but as you venture further offshore the chances of being caught out increase. While running for cover would seem the preferred choice, the danger lies in being caught in the storm, close to shore, with no room to maneuver or run off.

Two classic storm strategies are to try to keep away from land so you’re not blown up on shore, and to sail away from the storm’s path — especially its “dangerous semicircle,” which is its right side as it advances.

Storm Tactics

Storm tactics help you handle a storm once you’re in it. There are several proven choices, all of which aim to reduce the strain and motion by pointing one of the boat’s ends (either bow or stern) toward the waves. No one tactic will work best for all boats in all conditions.

Sail under storm jib and deeply reefed mainsail or storm trysail. This approach provides the most control. Sails give you the power to steer and control your boat in the waves.

Run before the storm with the stern toward the waves, perhaps towing a drogue to slow the boat. This tactic requires a lot of sea room, and the boat must be steered actively. Another concern is that you will remain in front of an approaching storm, rather than sailing out of its path.

Heave-to on a close reach with the jib trimmed to windward. Heaving-to can be an excellent heavy weather tactic, though some boats fare better than others.

Deploy a sea anchor while hove-to or under bare poles. A sea anchor is a small parachute set at the end of a line off the bow. A sea anchor helps keep the bow up into the waves so the boat won’t end up beam to the seas. One concern is the load on the rudder as waves push the boat aft.

Another alternative is lying ahull, simply sitting with sails down. This passive alternative is less reliable than the other tactics, as you lose the ability to control your angle to the waves and may end up beam to the seas. Furthermore, the motion of the boat rolling in the waves without the benefit of sails can be debilitating.

Want to order a storm trysail or storm jib for your boat? Contact a North Sails Expert here .

How to Heave-To

Wouldn’t it be great if, during a heavy air sail, you could just take a break, and relax for a bit? Imagine a short respite from the relentless pitching and pounding: a chance to rest, take a meal, or check over the boat in relative tranquility. Well, you can. The lost art of heaving-to allows you to “park” in open water.

To heave-to, trim the jib aback (i.e., to the wrong side), trim the main in hard, and lash the helm so the boat will head up once it gains steerageway. As the jib tries to push the bow down, the bow turns off the wind and the main fills, moving the boat forward. Once the boat begins to make headway, the lashed helm turns the boat toward the wind again. As the main goes soft the jib once again takes over, pushing the bow down. The main refills, and the rudder pushes the bow into the wind again.

The boat won’t actually stop. It will lie about 60 degrees off the wind, sailing at 1 or 2 knots, and making significant leeway (sliding to leeward). The motion will be much less than under sail, and dramatically more stable and pleasant than dropping all sails and lying ahull. You will also be using up less sea room than if you run before the storm at great speed.

Achieving this balance will require some fine tuning, depending on the wind strength, your boat design, and the sails you are flying. Also, fin-keeled boats do not heave to as well as more traditional designs.

In storm seas, some boats will require a sea anchor off the bow to help hold the boat up into the waves while hove-to.

Alternate Storm Strategy: Don’t Go

If conditions are wrong, or are forecast to worsen, don’t go. If you can avoid the storm, then do so.

If you’re at home, stay there. If you’re mid-cruise, button up the boat, make sure your anchor or mooring or dock lines are secure, and then read a book or play cards. Relax. Enjoy the time with your shipmates. Study the pile of Owners’ Manuals you’ve accumulated with each piece of new gear. Tinker with boat projects.

Put some soup on the stove, and check on deck every so often to make sure the boat is secure. Shake your head as you return below, and remark, “My oh my, is it nasty out there.”

If your boat is threatened by a tropical storm or hurricane, strip all excess gear from the deck, double up all docking or mooring lines, protect those lines from chafe, and get off. Don’t risk your life to save your boat.

Misery and Danger

Although everyone will remember it differently years later, a long, wet, cold sail through a storm can be miserable. As the skipper, you need to make the best of it: watch over your crew, offer relief or help to those who need it, and speak a few words of encouragement to all. “This is miserable, but it will end.”

Take the time to marvel at the forces of nature, and at your ability to carry on in the midst of the storm. Few people get to experience the full fury of a storm. It may not be pleasant, but it is memorable.

While misery and discomfort can eventually lead to fatigue, diminished performance, and even danger, do not mistake one for the other. Distinguish in your own mind the difference between misery and danger. Don’t attempt a dangerous harbor entrance to escape misery; that would compromise the safety of the boat and crew, just to avoid a little discomfort.

Interested in a new sail quote or have questions about your sails? Fill out our Request a Quote form below and you will receive a reply from a North sail expert in your area.

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How to sail in Waves – 10 tips for sailing in the sea

For inland sailors, the annual pilgrimage to the class championships usually means more than just sand, salt water, and ice creams — it can also bring big seas! Mark Rushall solves some common problems that racing in waves pose.

Sailing in waves can be some of the most fun you can have afloat, and with the big breezes we’ve been enjoying this summer chances are most sea venues — and even some inland ones — will have kicked up a good chop.

But handling waves also requires some specific techniques, we get some top tips…

Sailing in the Waves Tip 1

‘Inland, or on the sea in flat water, I am as fast as anyone. But as soon as we are sailing in waves, I struggle for height upwind. How should I steer the boat?’

Literally: with trim! Inevitably when steering in waves you have to use some rudder to get the boat to turn quickly, but the more you can instigate the steering with weight and trim, the less drag you will induce through the rudder, and the faster you will go (this principle applies to all the ‘steering’ advice in this feature).

To luff, sheet on and allow the boat to heel slightly to leeward. To bear away, hike harder and if necessary, ease a click of main.

To accelerate the bear away, ‘bounce’ the boat to windward which will momentarily flick the leech open, helping the turn.

But read Rule 42 carefully before getting too enthusiastic about using kinetics in waves. Before we deal with your actual steering question, just a point about rig set up. To drive the boat upwind through the waves you need extra power.

However, the power available from the wind will vary depending on which part of the wave you are on, and which way the rig is moving at the time. It’s easier to keep the boat flat by working extra hard or easing sheets momentarily in the apparent puffs, than to find extra power when the rig is depowered for the peaks. Therefore, set the rake, rig controls, etc for the minimums, not the maximums, and work harder to keep the boat flat through the peaks.

Powering up by pulling extra hard on the leeches will not work when the rig is bouncing around: the sails will just stall. The waves affect your apparent wind direction as well as its speed. This, rather than bad steering, may be the cause of your height problem.

To avoid this, sail with deeper, more twisted sails than you would in flat water: the boom as close as possible to the centreline, but top telltale streaming most of the time: jib twisted to match with a nice parallel slot. The depth could come from an extra chock, more strut or lowers, spreaders forward, or a very slight outhaul ease.

A deeper jib will also give a nice big ‘groove’: allowing you to steer the boat around the waves as much as possible without a stall. This should give you a powerful rig but one which will cope with the constant change, and be kinder to steer to. Now back to the question of waves. In typical regular waves, in moderate conditions, the waves are travelling directly downwind.

The water in the waves is moving in a circular motion: downwind at the top, upwind at the bottom. Luff as you climb the face of the wave so that you spend as little time as possible in the peak: bear off as you cross the peak onto the back of the wave. The bigger the waves, the more extreme the motion needs to be. That is the basis of sailing upwind in regular waves: take every opportunity you can to watch the fast sailors in the conditions of the day, and practice getting ‘in phase’.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 2

‘In light winds, the waves come too quickly to use this technique: I can’t turn the boat fast enough.’

Depending on the speed of the waves, your boat, and its manoeuvrability, there is always a lower limit where it is simply not possible to steer around the waves in the way described above. The waves just shake the boat and rig around; the rig stalls; and the boat bounces up and down going nowhere. Whereas in moderate winds the crew should concentrate weight together as much as possible, to reduce the amount of power needed to lift the bow over each wave, in light winds the power lost through a bouncing, stalled rig is far more significant. So, move further apart (in the fore/aft direction), to try to reduce the bouncing.

Twist your sails even more, and sail as free as is necessary to keep the boat moving forward, with rig and foils working. Now you can simply steer to make the most of the flatter patches of water; sheeting on and sailing higher, and minimise the effect of the really bumpy bits by easing the jib a touch and steering slightly free as they approach, until you are through.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 3

‘When seas are really confused, and there are no obvious regular peaks and troughs, how should I sail through this?’

Again, it’s a damage limitation exercise. When the waves are not regular there are always high and low spots. As helmsman your focus needs to be on the water a half boat length or so in front of the bow. Steer for the obvious low spots as they appear, and avoid the biggest highs: the larger the differences between highs and lows, the further it will be worth deviating from the mean course to minimise the effect of this obstacle course. If there are no obvious high spots and low spots, sail freer and faster through the worst bits: your speed will at least ensure that the rig and foils are working, whereas trying to sail high and slowly will stall both and contribute to a slide to leeward.

‘What should I do when the wind and waves are not from the same direction?’

A leftover swell from a storm on the day before gives good opportunities for gains from accurate steering. There are three effects to consider: your boat goes faster downhill; the water at the top of the wave will push in the direction of the wave, that in the bottom against it; and this circular water flow in the wave will affect your apparent wind, in both strength and direction. The best steering technique depends on the relative directions of wind and waves, the wind and wave speed, and the type of boat.

With a different ‘right’ answer for every combination of wave size and direction and wind strength, my advice is to spend plenty of time before the start sailing in the racing area to work out the best steering technique on each tack. If the swell is big and the wind light the sails will have to be continuously trimmed as well. Watch the other boats, both before the start and during the race: the bigger the difference the effect of good and bad steering, the more obvious the winning technique will be.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 4

‘Downwind, when should I be concentrating on trying to catch a wave, and when should I just be concentrating on sailing the boat fast through the water?’

Double Olympic medallist Simon Hiscocks says: ‘Don’t chase a wave unless you are certain that you are going to catch it.’ When running in nonplaning conditions in both symmetric and asymmetric boats; the focus downwind is on soaking as much as possible without stalling the spinnaker: sailing higher than this to try to catch an impossible wave will simply result in extra distance sailed. The steering objective when the waves are not big enough — or you are not going fast enough to have a realistic chance to surf them — should be to use the extra speed to gain ground to leeward, with a slight luff just as the boat slows to keep the flow going. In these conditions, steering can all be done with body weight: roll the boat to windward (with a simultaneous ‘squeeze’ of guy and sheet of a symmetric kite) to scoot down to leeward. If the waves are irregular, it’s also unlikely that you will get any assistance: the objective in these conditions as with steering upwind is to aim for the obvious low spots and avoid the ‘mountains’. Keep a good eye out for larger patches of flatter water: it may be possible to gybe or sail high for a short period to find a more helpful part of the race track.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 5

‘What about when I’m going downwind at about the same speed as the waves — should I be trying to surf them?’

The problem with this situation is that the wave speed is potentially limiting your downwind speed: it feels great to be surfing the wave behind but all you do is run into and get held up by the one in front. In theory the whole fleet could be travelling at exactly the same speed, limited by the wave speed. On the run, the gains are made by using the steering technique described above. Use any extra speed to steer further downwind, getting closer to the mark, rather than just pushing water. But keep an eye out for any low spots in the wave crests ahead: every time you find one low enough to break through you will make a gain on the boats around by sailing high and finding enough reaching speed to do just that.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 6

‘What is the technique in real surfing conditions?’

In classic surfing conditions, there is not enough wind to keep the boat continuously planing. The waves are not so big and fast that their speed can’t be matched by sailing on your boat’s fastest point of sailing (with the help of whatever kinetics are allowed by your sailing instructions: a part of your repertoire does have to be an understanding of Rule 42!). There is no doubt that the best sailing surfers are those who have tried real surfing: that’s the first recommended training process! If you want background reading, Garry Hoyt in Go for the Gold describes the processes common to surfers and surfing sailors. Just as the stern begins to lift, accelerate the boat by luffing to a reach. The bigger and faster the wave, the earlier and more extreme an angle change is required to get you boat speed close to that of the wave.

Achieve maximum acceleration by pumping, and move sharply forward in the boat to get the bow down, bearing away to stay with the wave. The timing of the pump is critical: you want the pump to add to your boat not to maintain it. Once surfing, don’t steer straight down the wave: you’ll hit the one in front, stop, and the wave will roll past. Turn so the boat slides along the face of the wave, upwind or downwind of the wave perpendicular, to maximise the ride. In a dinghy, the steering can once again be done by moving body weight. In a keelboat or Sportsboat, a couple of pumps of the tiller may turn the boat then unload the rudder at the critical moment of acceleration.

If the waves are really fast, aim to reach in the trough, pump and bear away as the following wave catches, then use the surf to sail below the rhumbline, staying with it as long as possible. Now you are set up to luff to accelerate in the next trough. In all cases, begin the next cycle while you still have momentum, luffing to keep speed on for the next opportunity.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 7

‘What about when I am sailing faster than the waves?’

Modern high performance boats are in this mode in most conditions downwind. There is no point steering down the wave just to put the nose straight into the wave in front. In these conditions we are back to sailing around the obstacle course. On the larger scale keep looking for any flatter areas to aim for; on the small scale looking for the local low spots to steer through without deflecting from the optimal downwind angle for the conditions.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 8

‘How do I stop my Fireball nose diving on the run?’

Once a traditional performance boat runs into the wave in front in a breeze, the result is usually wet! In non-extreme conditions it should be possible to bear away or luff to lift the bow over the back of the wave at an angle, rather than straight into it.

As you bear off, (assuming you are sitting to leeward) sit out hard to keep the boat flat: the crew should lean in at the same time.

As you luff, step into the centreline of the boat and sheet on to keep the main driving. Trapeze crew should be clipped on and ready to step out to help balance. If these techniques don’t succeed, it’s probably windy enough for apparent wind sailing. Give up on pointing at the leeward mark, luff up to a broad reach with the crew trapezing as high as possible and the helm perching on the windward side deck. There is now no danger from the waves, and if you get the wind shifts right the gains will be enormous!

Sailing in the Waves Tip 9

‘Are there any special steering techniques for cross-wave sailing?’

In light winds, as when beating, keep the rig as still as possible, by steering along or down the waves as much as possible. This will minimise stall and maximise drive. Use the same technique on a beam reach when wind and waves are aligned.

In medium winds, power up the rig as much as possible: ease the outhaul, use moderate vang. Steer to surf down the bigger sets of waves: sail higher between the big sets to keep speed on and maintain direction.

Sailing in the Waves Tip 10

‘What is the best way to improve my wave technique?’

If you want to understand the theory, try reading Frank Bethwaite’s High Performance Sailing . But there is no substitute for getting on the water and doing it: preferably with a tuning buddy, outside a racing environment. That gives you the chance to experiment, and to develop a ‘feel’ for what works. A good coach might help to accelerate this process.

Practising in waves is fun, and the rewards from getting it right are huge. As Garry Hoyt writes, ‘There’s gold in them thar hills!’

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Jan 5, 2021

#QuickTips - Boating in Waves

By: Captain Bill Jennings

Captain Bill Jennings gives you the best tips on how to have a swell time

Large waves are often measured in seconds because it can be more accurate than quoting the Beaufort Scale . The system uses time between the passing of two consecutive wave crests measured in seconds. As you would expect, a higher seconds number indicates larger waves and conversely, fewer seconds between waves indicate smaller waves. Smaller waves can be just as deadly as large, but today we are addressing large waves – not the sort that build up and “break” onto beaches, but the ones found in open seas and at the entrances to harbours. What is the best procedure to safely traverse these waves and swells?

Large swells at sea are usually less dangerous than swells encountered at entrances to harbors and rivers because sea swells are more consistent and have a rhythm to them, whereas harbour swells are inconsistent in timing, height, and intensity. The severity of harbour swells is also greatly affected by the tides. You may exit a harbour in the morning through flat water, only to encounter on your return, large nasty lumps. The bottom line is -- you need to treat harbour swells with respect.

When planning to challenge harbour swells, the obvious place to start is at home. Check the tides and any marine notices for the location you will cross. Be sure to pack things you might need – specifically some dry towels.

Once underway, set your tabs in a neutral setting, with both parallel to the bottom of your boat. As you approach the disturbed water at a harbour entrance or a series of swells in open water, look closely at the water you plan to cross and make a conscious “Go-or-No-Go” decision. Nobody is ever accused of being a wimp for playing it safe and returning home. Well, I was once, but the people that objected had been drinking.

Next, determine if your track across the upcoming swells will be head on, or if you need to cross them on a slight angle. If crossing the swells at an angle, you can put more of your boat’s V-bottom into the swells by setting a tab so that your boat slightly leans away from the direction from which the swells are coming. For example, if the swells are approaching from your portside, lowering your port tab slightly will lean the boat to starboard. This action will reduce the spray factor.

If possible, hold your boat in one spot before crossing an area of swells and watch other boats as they cross. This will give you a first-hand idea of what to expect, identify the best route to cross, and provide a few laughs.

Before heading into swells, you should be on plane but not charging at high speed. As with many boating conditions there is always one optimum speed that delivers the smoothest and safest ride.

What makes safe passage through swells more difficult than eating ice-cream is that you must operate your throttle(s) and trim control at the same time and in harmony with the swells. You also need to steer. To look at this in more detail, an oncoming swell of any type will slow your boat and cause your bow to dig in. To keep your speed constant, you must throttle up. Knowing that as you tip over the top of the swell your boat will have a tendency to do air-time, you should at this point trim down. As you tip over the crest of the swell and head down the backside, you can anticipate a rapid speed increase, so you must throttle back. Knowing that when you get to the base of the swell you just crossed, your boat will have a tendency to stuff into the next swell or wave, you should at this point trim up. While performing these driving steps you need to navigate with the wheel to stay on your heading and to avoid severe dampness. This same process is repeated to cross each wave or swell. Remember the process in these simplified terms: Going up = power up – bow down. Going down = power down – bow up.

Now let’s turn around and travel in the same direction as the swells. The above process is identical except for one important thing -- You must keep your speed up to a level that is higher than the speed of the swells. The reason for this is to prevent the swells from causing your boat to “broach,” which can end your trip in a most unpleasant manner.

If you are having difficulty running waves at even a slight angle turn directly into the oncoming water and place your tabs in neutral. While this will take you in a direction that is not exactly where you want to go, it will also take one variable out of the process and you can deal with the difficult water movement head on. Once through the more difficult water, you can “tack” through the remaining less difficult water to arrive at your desired destination.

Should you find yourself in over your head – but not literally – it is possible to turn back, but such a turn in swells requires perfect timing. Wait for a good-sized swell and power into it. The instant your bow lifts to climb the swell, quickly turn the wheel completely in one direction. Your boat will pivot 180 degrees and you will be heading back. I did this once on a trip from Florida to the Bahamas and when we got back to the dock my passengers thanked me. I thought they would be annoyed because I didn’t realize they were nervous.

Following these driving tips will prevent an unscheduled trip to your dentist and allow you and your passengers to have a swell time.

#tips #quicktips

Forespar's Point of View

Steering smaller boats in big waves.

First – what’s a big wave? Is it the 100-foot wave from The Perfect Storm”? Could it be the waves from a TV show called Bering Sea Gold, when they tell us there’s a storm, and it looks like all of 12 knots of breeze and two-foot chop?

The answer is yes. Any wave that makes you feel that you and your boat are in danger is a big wave. All that matters is that the waves are challenging you, and you’re nervous about handling them safely. There are some basic rules that can help:

First -If conditions scare you, don’t go out. Getting macho can get you and your passengers in deep trouble. Getting back on Monday morning isn’t worth risking the safety and sanity of your crew.

The classic example is the trip back home from Catalina Island. You left the mainland early on Saturday, and it was flat with no wind, so you zoomed over (zoom speed is relative – maybe six knots from the Yanmar in the sailboat, and 30 knots from the twin Volvos in the cruiser). You leave for home on Sunday afternoon, and there 32 knots of breeze pushing some healthy wind waves along with a big swell rolling down the channel, and you’ve got 20 to 30 miles to go with that on your beam or under your quarter.

You are relatively inexperienced, but you’ll probably make it. You’ll beat up the boat, and scare the pants off your crew and yourself in the process. The crew may never get on the boat again. Or, you are experienced, and you’ll make it. You’ll wear yourself and the crew out, and the boat won’t be real happy either.

Second- There’s no better teacher than experience, but try to gain that experience with an old hand aboard to help you learn. Often the difference between the emotion “We’re gonna die” and the comment “That was a big one” is usually perception and a twitch on the helm.

If you are next to the helm on one of those days, and the driver is calm and under control, it’s amazing how much you can learn just watching and listening. Then when you trade places and you’ve got the helm, a calm voice in your ear, coupled with the positive results, can help you learn a lot, and apply it at the same time. Then you gain the confidence to try it yourself.

Third – Practice. When you go out, and it’s lumpy, take some time to drive the boat both uphill (into the wind and waves) and downhill (away from the wind and waves). Learn what make the boat feel and respond best under current conditions. You check the weather, then look out the harbor entrance. If you see other boats of your type in the vicinity, go out and play. Practice going into the wind, downwind, into the waves and away from them.

Going into the waves, while often scarier, is easier on the boat and the driver when you do it right.

Don’t worry about your specific destination – as long as you’re making up distance to the mark (technically VMG – Velocity Made Good ), you’re doing well. If you steer at an angle somewhere between 20 ⁰ and 45⁰ off the face of the wave, the boat is a lot more comfortable, and is actually faster than heading straight into the sea. You don’t get the big flying spray, and you don’t get the big pounding crash, either. And, you’ll be under control.

Not steering at your mark seems counter-intuitive, but any racing sailor can tell you that it works.

That’s nice, you’re thinking, but at some point I have to make up for that angle away from the harbor mouth. You’re right. You do. If you’re paying attention, you’ll find a periodic flatter spot between waves that will allow you to make the turn ( tack ) without wrestling the boat over a bigger wave.

Heading downhill requires more touch, and more attention to your helm. The basic design of most powerboat hulls has a broad, usually flat, surface for the following wave to push on, along with a more or less square corner (the quarter). This means that when that big wave comes at the stern, it lifts the stern while pushing on that flat surface. The combination of shapes and forces make the stern want to go to the side, and the boat wanting to turn parallel to the wave’s face, tilting away from the rising wave. This can make for some interesting or even dangerous moments. Sailboats do the same, but with a less exaggerated motion.

With some practice, you can learn to anticipate your boat’s tendencies, and start steering up the face and down the backs of oncoming waves, into the direction that swinging stern takes ( It’s called “Yaw” ) on following seas.

Fourth – Watch Your Speed. If you pay close attention to your boat speed relative to the waves, and adjust accordingly, you’ll find the sweet spot. Wind waves are usually moving at speeds from 13 to 18 knots, so you want to work around that basic datum. If you’re steering into the waves, and in a hurry with 15 knots of boat speed, you’re meeting big walls of water at 30 knots (just under 35 mph). The air is getting under your hull, and you’re flying a bit. That is a lot of energy your boat has to absorb when you hit the next wave. A lot of wear and tear on the boat and the bodies aboard.

When steering off the wind, some of the math works for you. If the waves are moving at 13 knots, and you throttle back to about 13 knots, keeping the bow down enough to increase your waterline (hence control and comfort), you’ll find that steering the boat and managing the course is a great deal easier. The waves are coming at you a lot slower, and you have much more time to make your adjustments to steer a comfortable and productive course. With some practice, you’ll find yourself actually surfing the boat.

Think safe, learn well, practice and slow down. Your boat, your backs and your butts will be much happier.

Mike Dwight

About Mike Dwight

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Coast Guard training in massive surf captured in striking video

W hen a storm system creates heavy surf along the West Coast, the U.S. Coast Guard comes out in force, though it’s not always for a rescue at sea. Sometimes, big waves produce a perfect training ground.

Such was the case on the Umpqua River on Nov. 26 when Mary Ann Nash captured video of two vessels maneuvering directly into the massive surf near Winchester Bay Bar in Douglas County, Oregon.

The video of the USCG training in the surf was posted to Oregon’s Bay Area Facebook page , where commenters were amazed, dazzled and awed of—and appreciative by—the work of our Coast Guard. Among the comments:

“Nothing like hands-on practical training.”

“Awesomeness.”

“Surfing backwards, neat trick.”

“Some brave souls.”

“My stomach just believed that I am on that boat.”

“The Oregon bars are some of the most treacherous.”

“A great way to training the crew to handle the boat in high seas especially when requested to help other vessels in trouble during the storm. Lots of smaller crafts driven by local boat owners are not or do not know how to maneuver their craft in rough seas.”

“Never seen anyone ‘back’ into an inlet before. I understand why, and the Captain has obviously done this before. And of course, that vessel is designed for such fun stuff.”

“Having grown up in the Coos Bay area and watched USCG boats trying to deal with such heavy surf, I decided that was a job best left to braver souls than I.”

“Surfman hero training future Surfmen. I cannot applaud them enough!”

Photos courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Station Umpqua River.

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Coast Guard training in massive surf captured in striking video

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The Dos and Don’ts of Navigating Big Waves When Boating

Small tourist fishing boat returning in harbor at sunset

We all want to boat in calm, pleasant weather, but sometimes that’s just not the case. When the weather turns on a dime, you want to be prepared to handle it with care, expertise, and precision. Our Smooth Moves team has tips for boating in big waves, which can help you safely navigate back to shore.

How Waves Are Measured (And Why It Matters)

There are four elements we look at when measuring waves:

Height (Bottom of the wave to the crest)
Length (Crest to crest)
Steepness (Angle from the crest to the bottom of the wave)
Period (Time between crests)

Noting these elements, even simply eyeballing them, can help inform your plan. Are you noticing an increase in wave height or steepness? Stay put, especially if you’re far from shore—conditions are getting worse.

Is wave length or the time between waves increasing? That could be a sign that the storm is dying down. Watch the direction of the waves to see how the wind is moving.

Successfully Boating in Big Waves

If you’re caught out on the water during inclement weather, the best thing you can do is keep your head. Making educated decisions will help get you, your passengers, and your boat safely back to shore.

→ Do watch out for waves that are comparable in size, power, and shape to your boat. Your best bet is to wait where you are until the waves die down.

→ Don’t forget to put on your life jacket. In fact, this should be mandatory for everyone on your boat. Boating in big waves can make plenty of passengers nervous, and rightly so—this safety step helps calm nerves and protect everyone onboard.

→ Do look up the standard wave heights for the waters you’re heading to and prepare an escape plan before going out. However, remember that those standards are just a guide, and waves can be larger.

→ Don’t immediately head back to shore without a plan. The closer you are to the shore, the more shallow the water gets, which means the waves can be bigger.

→ Do orient your boat so that oncoming waves break along either side of it instead of head-on.

→ Don’t go too fast through the waves trying to race back to shore. Instead, reduce your speed and concentrate on strategic steering.

What Wind Speed Creates Choppy Water? Wind at or higher than fifteen knots, or 17 miles per hour, can lead to choppy, unmanageable water.

Sick of the Swells? Make Your Ride a Smooth One

We hope your time on the water is nothing but smooth sailing (so to speak!). Our boat seat suspension systems protect your back from even the gentlest waves.

Want more boating content? Stay tuned to our Smooth Moves blog for more boating and fishing tips. Our articles are for passionate anglers like yourself looking to take care of their backs while enjoying all the water has to offer.

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Related Reading: What You Need to Know When Driving a Boat in Rough Water

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How Do Boats Survive Big Waves: Guide with Safety Methods

The vast expanse of the open sea can be both awe-inspiring and treacherous, especially when confronted with the power of large waves. For boaters, navigating and surviving these formidable waves is no easy feat. The challenges and risks associated with encountering big waves at sea cannot be understated.

From towering swells to unpredictable currents, the forces at play can test the limits of even the most seasoned sailors. In the face of such conditions, it becomes paramount to have a deep understanding of the principles of wave dynamics and possess the necessary boat handling skills.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of how boats navigate and survive in the presence of these immense waves. By exploring the challenges, risks, and essential knowledge required, we will uncover the secrets to safely maneuvering through the tumultuous waters.

So, let us embark on this journey of understanding, where we will uncover the crucial aspects of wave dynamics and boat handling that enable boats to conquer the mighty waves that the sea presents.

Understanding What Wave Dynamics are

How Do Boats Survive Big Waves? Guide with Route Planning

Wave formation and characteristics are governed by the principles of fluid dynamics and the interaction between wind and water. The science behind wave formation can be explained as follows:

Energy Transfer: Waves are formed when energy is transferred from a source (such as wind) to the water surface. Wind blows across the ocean, creating friction and imparting its energy to the water molecules at the surface. This energy transfer causes the water molecules to move in a circular orbital motion.
Orbital Motion: As the wind imparts energy to the water surface, the water molecules start moving in circular orbits. These orbits become smaller as you move deeper into the water column. The movement of water molecules at the surface creates a disturbance that propagates as a wave.
Wave Propagation: Once the disturbance is created, the wave propagates away from its source. The circular motion of water molecules at the surface creates a series of crests and troughs that move outward from the point of origin. The energy of the wave is transferred horizontally as the disturbance moves through the water.
Wave Anatomy: Waves have specific characteristics that can be measured and described: a. Crest: The highest point of a wave. b. Trough: The lowest point between two crests. c. Wave Height: The vertical distance between the crest and the trough. d. Wavelength: The horizontal distance between successive crests or troughs. e. Wave Period: The time it takes for one complete wave to pass a given point.

Science behind wave characteristics

Relationship between Wave Height, Wavelength, and Wave Period: Waves with longer wavelengths tend to have higher wave heights and carry more energy. Conversely, waves with shorter wavelengths have lower wave heights and carry less energy. The wave period, or the time it takes for a wave to complete one cycle, is inversely related to the wavelength. Longer waves have longer wave periods.
Wave Interactions: Waves can interact with each other and undergo various processes. When two waves of the same wavelength and amplitude meet crest-to-crest or trough-to-trough, they undergo constructive interference, resulting in a larger wave. Conversely, when crests meet troughs, they undergo destructive interference, leading to a smaller wave or canceling each other out.
Dispersion: Waves of different wavelengths can travel at different speeds. This phenomenon is known as dispersion. In deep water, longer waves (with longer wavelengths) travel faster than shorter waves. This dispersion leads to the separation of waves based on their wavelengths, causing the wave train to spread out over time.

Understanding the science behind wave formation and characteristics allows scientists and researchers to study and predict wave behavior, which is vital for various applications such as marine navigation, coastal engineering, and offshore activities.

Different types of waves encountered at sea, including wind waves and swells.

There are various types of waves encountered at sea, each with its own characteristics and formation mechanisms. Two primary types of waves encountered at sea are wind waves and swells:

1. Wind Waves

Wind waves are the most common type of waves encountered at sea and are generated by the local wind in the area. When wind blows across the ocean surface, it imparts its energy to the water, causing the water molecules to move in a circular motion. This circular motion creates a disturbance that propagates as wind waves.

Characteristics of Wind Waves

Relatively short wavelengths: Wind waves typically have wavelengths ranging from a few meters to a few tens of meters.
Irregular shape: Due to the chaotic nature of wind patterns, wind waves often have irregular shapes and sizes.
Shorter wave periods: Wind waves generally have shorter periods, which means that they have a higher frequency of wave crests passing a specific point over time.
Influenced by local weather conditions: The size and characteristics of wind waves depend on the strength, duration, and fetch (distance over which the wind blows) of the local wind.

Swells are waves that have traveled a long distance away from their area of origin. They are typically generated by strong winds or storms far away from the location where they are observed. Swells carry more energy compared to wind waves and have distinct characteristics.

Characteristics of Swells

Longer wavelengths: Swells have longer wavelengths compared to wind waves, ranging from tens to hundreds of meters or even kilometers.
Smooth and regular shape: Swells often have a more regular and uniform shape compared to wind waves. They have well-defined crests and troughs.
Longer wave periods: Swells have longer periods, meaning that the time between successive wave crests passing a specific point is longer compared to wind waves.
Travel long distances: Swells can travel across vast oceanic areas, sometimes spanning thousands of kilometers, before reaching the coastline.
Influence on surfing conditions: Swells are highly sought after by surfers due to their larger size, longer ride potential, and more predictable nature compared to wind waves.

It’s important to note that wind waves and swells are not mutually exclusive, and they can coexist and interact with each other at sea. The characteristics of waves at any given location are influenced by a combination of factors, including local wind conditions and the presence of distant storm systems that generate swells.

What are the factors that influence the size and intensity of waves?

The size and intensity of waves at sea are influenced by several factors, including wind strength, duration, and fetch. These factors play a crucial role in determining the characteristics of waves, such as their height, wavelength, and energy. Here’s a closer look at each factor:

Wind Strength: The strength of the wind is a primary factor in wave formation and size. Stronger winds transfer more energy to the water, resulting in larger and more powerful waves. When wind speed increases, it imparts greater force to the water surface, leading to the generation of larger waves with higher wave heights.
Wind Duration: The duration of the wind’s action is another important factor. Prolonged exposure to strong winds allows more energy to be transferred to the water over time. Waves generated by longer-duration winds have more time to develop and accumulate energy, resulting in larger waves compared to those generated by shorter-duration winds.
Fetch: Fetch refers to the uninterrupted distance over which the wind blows across the water’s surface. The larger the fetch, the more time and distance the wind has to transfer energy to the water. As a result, waves generated over a longer fetch tend to be larger and more powerful. For example, waves traveling across an ocean with an extensive fetch can accumulate significant energy and develop into large swells.
Wind Speed Duration: In addition to wind strength and duration, the speed of the wind also influences wave size and intensity. Wind speed duration is a measure of the average wind speed over a specific time period. Higher average wind speeds over a longer duration result in larger waves with more energy. A combination of strong wind speed and sustained duration can lead to the formation of significant waves.
Water Depth: Water depth plays a role in wave characteristics. As waves approach shallow water near the coastline, they interact with the seabed, causing changes in their speed, height, and shape. This phenomenon is known as wave shoaling. Waves in shallow water tend to slow down, causing their wave heights to increase. Eventually, the waves may break, leading to surf near the shoreline.

It’s worth noting that while these factors primarily influence wind-generated waves, they also affect the development and behavior of swells. Swells, being generated by distant winds or storms, carry the characteristics of the winds that formed them, including wind strength, duration, and fetch.

Understanding the factors that influence wave size and intensity is essential for various applications, including marine navigation, coastal engineering, and recreational activities such as surfing and boating.

Boat Design and Construction That Built for Survive Big Waves

Designing a boat to handle big waves requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure seaworthiness and safety. Key features and considerations in boat design for handling big waves include hull shape, buoyancy, stability, and specialized design features. Let’s explore each of these aspects:

Hull Shape:

The hull shape of a boat plays a crucial role in its ability to handle big waves. Deep-V hulls or modified deep-V hulls are commonly used for rough water conditions. These hull designs have a sharper entry angle at the bow, which helps the boat slice through waves and reduce the impact of pounding. They also provide better directional stability and reduce rolling motion.

Buoyancy is the ability of a boat to float and stay afloat even when subjected to external forces such as waves. Designing a boat with sufficient buoyancy is important for handling big waves. Boats intended for rough conditions often have higher freeboard (the vertical distance between the waterline and the deck), which helps prevent waves from easily entering the boat and causing instability.

Stability:

Stability is crucial in handling big waves to prevent capsizing or excessive rolling. There are two types of stability to consider: initial stability and reserve stability.

Initial Stability: Boats with higher initial stability have a tendency to resist rolling initially, providing a more comfortable ride. However, very high initial stability can lead to a harsh ride in large waves. It is important to strike a balance between initial stability and comfort.
Reserve Stability: Reserve stability refers to a boat’s ability to recover from a heeling (leaning) position caused by waves or external forces. Boats designed for big waves typically have reserve stability features, such as a wider beam and weight distribution that lowers the center of gravity.

Specialized Design Features:

Self-righting Mechanisms: Some boats designed for rough conditions, such as offshore racing or search and rescue vessels, may incorporate self-righting mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the boat to automatically return to an upright position if capsized, enhancing safety and survivability in extreme conditions.
Reinforced Hulls: Boats intended for handling big waves often have reinforced hulls to withstand the impact of wave forces. This may involve using stronger materials, additional structural support, or incorporating features such as watertight bulkheads to prevent flooding in case of hull damage.

Deck and Cockpit Design:

The design of the deck and cockpit also influences a boat’s ability to handle big waves. Non-skid surfaces, properly positioned handrails, and well-designed drainage systems are important to maintain footing and prevent water accumulation on deck, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining stability.

When designing a boat for handling big waves, it is essential to consider the intended use, anticipated sea conditions, and the specific needs of the vessel’s operation. Collaborating with naval architects or experienced boat designers can ensure that the boat is properly designed and constructed to handle the challenges posed by rough water conditions.

Seamanship and Boat Handling to Survive Big Waves

Skilled seamanship and effective boat handling techniques are of paramount importance when navigating big waves. They enable boat operators to safely navigate through challenging conditions, maintain control, and minimize risks. Here’s a closer look at the importance of skilled seamanship and boat handling techniques in handling big waves:

Safety and Risk Mitigation:

Skilled seamanship is essential for assessing the risks associated with big waves and making informed decisions to ensure the safety of the vessel and its occupants. Proper boat handling techniques minimize the chances of capsizing, broaching (being turned broadside to the waves), or being overwhelmed by large breaking waves, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Reading and Anticipating Wave Patterns:

A key aspect of seamanship is the ability to read and anticipate wave patterns. Experienced mariners learn to observe the sea conditions and identify the characteristics of incoming waves, such as their size, frequency, and direction. By understanding wave patterns, boat operators can anticipate and plan for maneuvers to ensure a safe course. They can identify areas of larger waves or breaking waves and adjust the boat’s speed, heading, or course accordingly.

Strategies for Wave Pattern Anticipation:

Observing Wave Sets: Wave sets are groups of waves with similar characteristics that follow a periodic pattern. Skilled boat operators observe and analyze wave sets to understand their timing and amplitude, allowing them to navigate between waves or time maneuvers to coincide with a lull in the wave pattern.
Recognizing Wave Breaking Zones: Breaking waves can be hazardous, especially in shallow or rocky areas. Skilled seamanship involves identifying areas prone to wave breaking, such as shoals or offshore reefs, and avoiding those areas or adjusting the course accordingly.
Using Reference Points: Using fixed reference points on land or other vessels can help boat operators gauge the relative motion of their own vessel in relation to the waves, aiding in maintaining stability and control.

Control and Stability:

Proper throttle, steering, and weight distribution play a crucial role in maintaining control and stability when navigating big waves.

Throttle Control: Adjusting the throttle appropriately helps boat operators manage the speed of the vessel in response to wave conditions. Slowing down or maintaining a consistent speed can improve stability and prevent the boat from being overpowered by waves.
Steering Techniques: Skilled boat operators employ various steering techniques to maintain control in big waves. This includes steering into the waves at an angle to minimize the impact or using a “quartering sea” technique, where the boat is angled slightly downwind to maintain directional stability.
Weight Distribution: Proper weight distribution is important to maintain balance and stability. Boat operators ensure that passengers and equipment are positioned correctly, keeping the boat’s center of gravity low and preventing excessive weight shifts that can compromise stability.

Skilled seamanship and effective boat handling techniques are acquired through experience, training, and a deep understanding of the sea. It is important for boat operators to continually improve their skills, stay informed about weather and sea conditions, and practice situational awareness to ensure safe navigation in big waves.

Safety Equipment and Precautions to Survive in Big Waves

When facing big waves, it is crucial to have the appropriate safety equipment on board and follow necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers. Here are some essential safety equipment and precautions to consider:

Life Jackets, Safety Harnesses, and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) : Life jackets, safety harnesses, and PFDs are essential safety gear that should be readily available for everyone on board. They provide buoyancy and keep individuals afloat in the event of a fall overboard or an emergency situation. It is important to ensure that these devices are properly fitted and worn at all times when facing big waves.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): An EPIRB is a distress beacon that can be activated in an emergency to alert search and rescue authorities. It helps rescuers locate a vessel and its occupants in case of a distress situation.
Flares and Visual Signaling Devices: Flares and other visual signaling devices are crucial for attracting attention in emergency situations. These devices help in alerting nearby vessels or aircraft to your location and signaling distress.
Communication Devices: Reliable communication devices such as marine VHF radios or satellite phones should be on board to communicate with the shore, other vessels, or emergency services. It is important to ensure that these devices are in good working condition and regularly tested.
First Aid Kit: A well-equipped first aid kit should be readily accessible on board. It should contain essential medical supplies and instructions for providing basic medical assistance in case of injuries or emergencies.
Bilge Pump and Backup Systems: A functioning bilge pump is critical to remove water from the boat, especially if waves are causing excessive spray or entering the vessel. It is advisable to have a backup bilge pump or alternative manual pump in case of primary pump failure.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Regular maintenance and inspections of the boat’s equipment, rigging, and safety systems are crucial to ensure they are in proper working condition. This includes checking the integrity of hull fittings, rigging, steering mechanisms, electrical systems, and other critical components. Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they become safety hazards.
Weather Monitoring and Planning: Stay updated with weather forecasts and monitor changes in sea conditions before heading out. Avoid navigating in severe weather conditions or when big waves are anticipated. Plan your route and timing to minimize exposure to hazardous conditions.
Crew Training and Emergency Procedures: Adequate crew training on safety procedures, emergency drills, and proper boat handling techniques in rough conditions is vital. Ensure that the crew is familiar with emergency procedures, including man overboard drills, radio communication protocols, and fire prevention and response.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when facing big waves. Being prepared with the right safety equipment, following precautions, and maintaining a vigilant attitude can significantly reduce the risks associated with challenging sea conditions.

Weather Forecasting and Route Planning to Survive in Big Waves

Monitoring weather conditions and forecasts is of utmost importance for boaters to avoid encountering dangerous waves and ensure a safe journey. Here’s a closer look at the significance of weather forecasting and route planning:

Avoiding Dangerous Waves: Monitoring weather conditions allows boaters to stay informed about potential hazards, including high winds, storms, or extreme wave conditions. By staying updated on weather forecasts, boaters can make informed decisions to delay departure, alter their route, or seek shelter when adverse weather is predicted. This helps avoid encountering dangerous waves and reduces the risk of accidents or damage to the vessel.
Selecting Safer Paths: Route planning plays a vital role in selecting safer paths and avoiding areas prone to dangerous waves. It involves considering factors such as wind direction, wave height and frequency, current patterns, and known hazards along the intended route. By planning a route that takes into account favorable weather and sea conditions, boaters can minimize exposure to hazardous waves and choose paths that offer greater safety.
Seeking Shelter: Weather forecasts provide valuable information about the timing and intensity of weather events. By monitoring these forecasts, boaters can identify potential sheltered areas along their route, such as harbors, marinas, or protected coves, where they can seek refuge during adverse weather conditions. Seeking shelter allows boaters to wait out the dangerous wave conditions and resume their journey once it is safe to do so.
Advanced Weather Prediction Tools and Resources: Boaters now have access to advanced weather prediction tools and resources that can greatly assist in monitoring weather conditions.

It is essential for boaters to take advantage of these resources and regularly monitor weather conditions before and during their journey. However, it’s important to note that weather can change rapidly, and forecasts may not always be 100% accurate. Therefore, maintaining situational awareness and being prepared to adjust plans based on observed conditions is crucial.

By staying informed about weather conditions, incorporating route planning strategies, and utilizing advanced weather prediction tools, boaters can make informed decisions, avoid dangerous waves, and navigate in safer conditions. Prioritizing safety through proper weather monitoring and route planning significantly enhances the overall boating experience while minimizing risks.

Training and Experience to Survive in Big Waves

Training and experience play a vital role in preparing boaters to navigate big waves safely. They provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to handle challenging conditions. Here’s a closer look at the importance of training, certifications, hands-on experience, seeking guidance, and participating in safety drills:

Seamanship Courses and Certifications: Seamanship courses offer structured training programs that cover essential boating skills, safety procedures, navigation techniques, and handling challenging conditions. These courses provide boaters with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for safe navigation. Certifications, such as those offered by recognized boating organizations, validate an individual’s proficiency and adherence to safety standards.
Hands-on Experience: Hands-on experience on the water is invaluable in building skills and confidence. Practical experience allows boaters to apply theoretical knowledge, understand the nuances of boat handling in various conditions, and develop a better understanding of how to navigate big waves safely. It helps boaters become more attuned to the behavior of their vessel and the sea, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions in challenging situations.
Seeking Guidance from Experienced Sailors: Learning from experienced sailors can provide valuable insights and practical tips for navigating big waves. Seeking guidance from those who have faced similar conditions and challenges can help boaters understand strategies for boat handling, reading wave patterns, and making safe decisions. Their expertise and experiences can provide invaluable mentorship and guidance.
Safety Drills and Exercises: Regularly participating in safety drills and exercises is essential for preparedness and developing effective response protocols in emergency situations. These drills can include man overboard drills, fire drills, emergency signaling practice, and other relevant scenarios. By practicing these drills, boaters become more familiar with emergency procedures and improve their ability to respond swiftly and effectively in critical situations.
Continuing Education and Skill Enhancement: Boating techniques, safety practices, and technology continue to evolve. It is important for boaters to engage in ongoing education and skill enhancement. This can include attending advanced boating courses, staying updated on industry best practices, and being aware of new safety equipment and technologies available in the market. Continuing education ensures boaters remain knowledgeable and adapt to the changing dynamics of boating.
Learn from Near-Miss or Incident Reports: Studying near-miss or incident reports can provide valuable lessons and insights into potential risks and strategies for safe navigation. These reports highlight real-world scenarios and offer an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others, enhancing safety awareness and risk management skills.

By investing in training, gaining hands-on experience, seeking guidance from experienced sailors, participating in safety drills, and staying informed through continuous education, boaters can develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to navigate big waves safely. It is a continuous process that should be pursued throughout one’s boating journey to ensure the highest level of safety and enjoyment on the water.

Watch Why large ships don’t sink in bad weather | Video

Can boats capsize in big waves?

While it is possible for boats to capsize in big waves, it is less likely to occur with properly designed and operated vessels. Factors such as boat size, stability, hull shape, and the captain’s skill in handling the waves all contribute to the likelihood of capsizing. Following proper navigation techniques, maintaining control, and using good judgment in challenging conditions greatly reduce the risk of capsizing.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when navigating big waves?

When navigating big waves, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes that can compromise safety and stability: Avoid overcorrecting the steering excessively, as this can lead to loss of control or instability. Do not attempt to take big waves head-on or parallel, as it increases the risk of broaching or capsizing. Instead, approach waves at an angle to minimize their impact. Do not underestimate the power of the waves or overestimate the capabilities of your boat. Stay vigilant and make wise decisions based on the current conditions. Don’t forget to properly secure all loose gear and equipment on the boat to prevent them from causing damage or injuries during rough seas. Avoid sudden changes in speed or throttle inputs, as it can affect stability and control. Maintain a consistent and controlled speed throughout the wave encounter. By being aware of these common mistakes, boaters can enhance their ability to navigate big waves safely and maintain stability throughout the journey.

What should I do if caught in an unexpected storm or encountering extremely large waves?

If caught in an unexpected storm or encountering extremely large waves, take immediate action to ensure safety: Maintain a calm demeanor and assess the situation objectively. Inform the crew or passengers about the conditions and ensure everyone is wearing life jackets. Reduce speed and head into the waves at a safe angle, if possible, to minimize the impact. Monitor weather reports and radio for any emergency alerts or advice from authorities. If the situation becomes too dangerous or unmanageable, consider seeking shelter in a protected area, such as a harbor or cove, or calling for assistance from the appropriate authorities.

How does the hull design affect a boat’s ability to survive big waves?

The hull design plays a significant role in a boat’s ability to handle big waves. Some hull features that enhance wave handling include: Deep-V hulls: These hulls have a V-shaped bottom, which helps to cut through waves and provide a smoother ride. Modified or multi-chine hulls: These hulls have multiple angles or chines that provide increased stability and reduce the likelihood of rolling in heavy seas. Flared or spray-reducing hulls: These hulls have outwardly angled sides at the bow that help to deflect water away and reduce spray, providing a drier ride.

In conclusion, this article has discussed various aspects of safely navigating big waves. Here are the key points highlighted:

Understanding Wave Dynamics: The science behind wave formation and characteristics, including wind waves and swells, was explained.
Factors Influencing Wave Size and Intensity: The size and intensity of waves are influenced by factors such as wind strength, duration, and fetch.
Boat Design and Construction: Key features and considerations in boat design for handling big waves were discussed, emphasizing hull shape, buoyancy, stability, and specialized design features.
Seamanship and Boat Handling: Skilled seamanship and effective boat handling techniques were emphasized, including reading and anticipating wave patterns, maintaining control and stability through throttle, steering, and weight distribution.
Safety Equipment and Precautions: Essential safety equipment such as life jackets, safety harnesses, and regular maintenance of boat equipment and rigging were mentioned.
Weather Forecasting and Route Planning: The importance of monitoring weather conditions, route planning, and seeking shelter during adverse weather were highlighted, along with advanced weather prediction tools and resources.
Training and Experience: The role of training, certifications, hands-on experience, seeking guidance from experienced sailors, and participating in safety drills were discussed as essential for safely navigating big waves.

Overall, knowledge, preparation, and skill are crucial in safely navigating big waves. Boaters should prioritize safety, continuously learn, and respect the power of the sea. By being well-informed, practicing seamanship, utilizing safety equipment, and making informed decisions based on weather forecasts and route planning, boaters can minimize risks and enjoy their boating experiences to the fullest. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when venturing into challenging sea conditions.

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How To Drive a Boat in Big Waves: Step by Step Guide

You have probably heard of big waves, but you have never experienced one if you’re a new boater.

What if one day, you’re driving your boat like a perfect gentleman (or lady) and then you see a big wave encroaching: 3, 4, 6 feet high coming towards your boat?

You have never experienced this, your heart begins to pump faster. You know that this could be a thrilling experience. But part of the thrill is also the risk. In fact, the high risk makes it more thrilling.

At this point in time, you’re more concerned about safety. As you hold the steering wheel tight, and maybe feel sweaty palms, you wait in anticipation.

Driving in big waves is a common part of driving a boat. Even if you’re a new boater, you’re bound to experience it sooner or later in the future depending on the size and depth of the water body you drive in. It’s better to be prepared for that big wave than to be caught unawares.

The first step of your preparation is to get all the important information you need about driving in a big wave.

You have come to the right place as this guide will prepare you for heavy weather especially if you have never experienced it. What are the things you need to know about driving your boat in Big waves?

First of all, check the weather before you set out

Prevention is always better than cure. Before you drive out into the water, you need to know what is the weather condition. What’s the speed of the wind?

Do you have big waves rolling around? Through your VHF radio, you can monitor the weather before you set out.

The best way to handle a big wave if you don’t have the necessary experience or a capable boat is to avoid the big wave completely. When you set out with your boat, it’s a bad idea to go dark. You must know what to expect.

This is important for even experienced skippers. Because big waves are in different sizes. And some big waves are so big that even cruise ships will stand no chance against them.

For instance, no matter how experienced you are about riding in big waves, the probability of your boat surviving a rogue wave is probably none.

Having the knowledge of what’s happening offshore could be the most crucial step you can take before you drive your boat out into the waters.

You also have to strap your equipment to the boat especially if you’re going fishing . You don’t want your equipment in the water when your boat takes a hit from the waves.

What to do in a big wave

Now, you’re facing a big wave and as the driver of the boat, you have to be calm. If you panic, then all the crew members will definitely panic too. You want to avoid this as it can lead to more problems.

Tell the people on board to hold on to something. As the boat moves around trying to navigate a big wave, it moves rigorously and this can lead to falls and probably injuries for someone who’s holding nothing.

Let everyone have protective gear on (a life jacket light enough but able to carry the weight of the person wearing it and a safety harness). You can also assign small tasks to members of the crew to keep them busy and less worried about the big wave.

Ensure the steering, engine, and other parts of the boat are in good working condition. Check the battery and connections to ensure they’re secure with no movement. This is to avoid any engine failure while trying to navigate the wave.

Switch to the fuel tank with the most amount of fuel as driving a boat in rough conditions use a lot of fuel. Secure all hatches.

Close all the ports and windows because you want to keep the water outside the boat as the boat is easier to control that way. When water starts entering a port or window, it could turn into a disastrous situation very fast.

Approach wave at 45 degrees, approaching at 90 degrees or angles close to that could get your boat to capsize. Apart from that, you want your bow to be above the wave but also without blocking your view.

For some, it’s easier to approach the big waves head-on but these are skippers who are much more experienced with driving in big waves. So you can adapt to what works for you when you get more experience considering the size of the wave and capability of the boat you’re handling.

When you encounter heavy waves, you must slow down. You’re not in a tournament and you don’t need to drive fast.

In fact, driving your boat at high speed through big waves can lead to broaching. This occurs when your boat travels too fast down the crest of a wave and the bow submerges under the next wave the boat encounters.

The pressure of the wave can cause the skipper to lose control of the boat as the propeller of the motor comes out of the water. When you slow down and move your boat at an angle to the wave, you can avoid broaching.

As you go through the waves, you have to make sure that you’re getting water out as it comes on board. You can use a bilge pump for this but if you don’t have it, a crew member can get the water out.

If your engine goes out or you end up losing control of your boat because of no backup engine, you can use paddles to navigate out of the big waves. You can drop your sea anchor from the bow of the boat to help keep the bow in the wind.

What if you find it impossible to control the boat?

Although you want to avoid this, by all means, it is possible to lose control of your boat and even get it capsized. This is why you must have your life jackets on while riding a big wave.

But before your boat gets capsized by the wind, fire a flare into the air to call the attention of other boaters. This is also to enhance visibility so that you can prevent collision with other boats. Call the emergency numbers to inform them of your troubles.

If bigger waves end up capsizing your boat, then you’re less concerned about your boat and how you can survive to live another day. The biggest risk when your boat capsizes is that you can get drowned.

That’s why the first thing on your mind should be how to float for as long as possible. Your life jacket helps you to achieve this and you can cling to objects on board like coolers that naturally float.

If your boat starts to sink, then having a tether that connects you to the boat could actually turn to a disadvantage because it could drag you downwards along with the boat. You have to untangle yourself from anything that could make you drown. You have to remove the harness.

In some cases, you can turn your vessel but that depends on how small your boat is. To improve your chances of getting help, make sure you’re as close to your boat as possible. A boat is far bigger than you and easier to sight than a human being floating alone.

Stay close to your boat so that you can be easily sighted. Also, avoid hypothermia by hugging your knees up to your chest if you’re wearing a life jacket.

Gain more experience to drive better in rough conditions

Before you can start driving in big waves, you need to be a passenger of boaters who are more experienced in driving in rough conditions. Watch them see how they approach the big waves and the general precautions they take.

This will give you a real-life feel of the condition out there and knowledge of what to do and what to avoid. Go out on your boat and practice to get better at handling the big waves and improve your confidence.

General safety gear to have while riding in big waves

Part of your preparation for a big wave is to have the necessary equipment that improves safety. This equipment includes:

Life jackets: it’s called life jackets for a reason. This is because it can be the difference between dying and living if there’s a severe accident that sees you end up in the water.

You don’t hope for this but you have to prepare for the worst-case scenario. The life jacket on board must be able to carry the weight of the people on board and be small enough for easy carriage.

Paddles or oars: For those whose boats have no backup engine, it’s important to have paddled in case of engine problems while battling big waves. This way, you can paddle your boat to safety.

Marine radio: If you have to go more than two miles offshore, you have to hold a marine VHF radio. This is essential for communication between other boats and can be used to call for help.

Distress Flare: When you’re out in the sea, it may seem lonely even when you’re struggling with the big waves attacking your boat. The use of a distress flare alerts lifeguards to come to your rescue and also improves visibility so that you can avoid collision with other boats.

Bilge Pump: When you start accumulating water on board, there is a likelihood of sinking your boat. But with a powerful bilge pump, you can pump the water out and keep your boat afloat as long as possible.

Waterproof clothing: When you’re battling with big waves, it can even get worse if you have to battle with the cold. Putting on waterproof clothing will reduce the cold you feel.

Safety Harness: This is a nylon web harness worn in rough seas or heavy weather. It has a tether with a clip attached to the jack lines.

This ensures that even if you’re washed overboard as a result of heavy wind, you’re still connected to the boat and that reduces the possibility of drowning. Make no mistake, it’s still very dangerous. You don’t want to get washed overboard.

Learn what your boat can do

What is the size of your boat and the power produced by its engine? The smaller your boat and the less power its engine produces, the more difficult it is to control when you hit a big wave.

But handling your boat may not only be about the size of your boat. Many times, it can also be how well your boat has been designed or built to handle the rough conditions. It is important not to drive your boat into waters that exceed its designed capabilities.

There is no exact science on how to drive your boat in a big wave. Because driving your boat in big waves depends on many factors that are never exactly the same for two boaters, or even for two days out in the sea.

The size of your boat, the power produced by its engines, and how high the wave is would determine how you ride. This means you need to pay attention to the conditions of the sea and the safety and comfort of the people on board.

It can be part of the thrill of driving a boat to enjoy the big waves and most boaters would look forward to it, but safety is much more important than enjoyment. You don’t want to pose an unnecessary risk to your lives just to enjoy a day out.

If the big waves ever get too powerful to handle, you can always drive to calmer waters to either fish or enjoy your ride. If you can’t get to the calmer waters, then you need to call for help as soon as you can.

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Sailing in waves: top tips to keep you safe at speed
Mackley agrees, explaining that if you normally would reef in 19-20 knots upwind, then in a big seaway you will probably want to put a reef in at 16-17 knots to allow you to drive the boat properly. 'Sailing with more twisted sails is also key in the windier wavy conditions,' says Mackley.
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Sailing in waves also depends on how big a boat you are sailing on. Logically, the bigger the boat, the less trouble the waves will cause you. Objects bounce on the waves and are carried by them because they take energy from the waves. In sailing, this means that while the size of the waves is important, it also depends on the speed at which ...
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Dangerous waves and your boat
1. Wave height must exceed a certain percentage of the boat's length. At this point the wave becomes dangerous and contains enough energy to overcome a boat's righting moment. 2. The boat is broadside or oblique to the wave. The more a boat moves from being perpendicular to a wave, the greater the chance of a knock down.
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To luff, sheet on and allow the boat to heel slightly to leeward. To bear away, hike harder and if necessary, ease a click of main. To accelerate the bear away, 'bounce' the boat to windward which will momentarily flick the leech open, helping the turn. But read Rule 42 carefully before getting too enthusiastic about using kinetics in waves.
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Wind waves are usually moving at speeds from 13 to 18 knots, so you want to work around that basic datum. If you're steering into the waves, and in a hurry with 15 knots of boat speed, you're meeting big walls of water at 30 knots (just under 35 mph). The air is getting under your hull, and you're flying a bit.
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Specifically, most cats are happy and safe sailing at 6-7 degrees of heel as measured in flat water, or on the trough of a wave. As the boat approaches 10 degrees of heel, the windward hull will be close to lifting. It is safe to say that a cat should not lift its weather hull while on a cruising passage!
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In fact, this should be mandatory for everyone on your boat. Boating in big waves can make plenty of passengers nervous, and rightly so—this safety step helps calm nerves and protect everyone onboard. → Do look up the standard wave heights for the waters you're heading to and prepare an escape plan before going out. However, remember that ...
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How To Drive a Boat in Big Waves: Step by Step Guide
The best way to handle a big wave if you don't have the necessary experience or a capable boat is to avoid the big wave completely. When you set out with your boat, it's a bad idea to go dark. You must know what to expect. This is important for even experienced skippers. Because big waves are in different sizes.
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Sailing is beautiful. Look how it rides the waves. How good can it get?
Save $500 on a Hydrow Rowing Machine during the Big Spring Sale
For good measure, we've also included another great deal on the Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine, available for $170 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine with Immersive 22 ...
8 Massive Waves
boats get destroy by 100 foot massive wavesit is very dramatic to see all this HD videoit is very heart breaking when big ships get crash into the massive an...