Handling Storms at Sea: The Five Secrets of Heavy Weather Sailing

Few subjects are of more universal concern among sailors, and few incite more disagreement, than how to cope with storms at sea. In this clear, prescriptive handbook, Roth provides a logical and coherent analysis of storms. He outlines a five point gale strategy and discusses all aspects of: - Reefing, heaving-to, lying a-hull, and running off - Trailing a drogue from the stern or streaming a sea anchor from the bow - Storm wave formation, travel and behaviour - Storm tactics near shore and in harbour - How to avoid storms, how to prepare for one you can't avoid, how to cope with fear and uncertainty, and why you should be confident that you and your boat can handle what comes Hal Roth shows that all the tactics can work and have proved themselves. The trick is to integrate them into a flexible strategy that adapts to the storm, to your boat, and to circumstances. Roth's simple, authoritative analysis is just what this debate needs. 'When someone like Hal Roth purports to give you advice, it is best to pay attention.' - SAIL