Question 1

What is the difference between a drogue and a sea anchor, and when would a skipper deploy each?

Accepted Answer

Drogue: streamed from the stern, creates drag to slow the vessel in breaking seas running downwind — reduces risk of broaching. Sea anchor: deployed from the bow, holds the vessel bow-on (or close to it) to the sea when the vessel cannot make headway in extreme conditions Heavy weather tactics: running off downwind with a drogue (Jordan series drogue or Delta drogue) slows the vessel to a manageable speed and reduces broaching risk. The vessel moves with the seas rather than fighting them. A sea anchor (parachute type) holds the bow into the sea — useful if the vessel must not drift onto a lee shore or when running off is not viable. Both require significant sea room. Practice deployment before it is needed in anger.

Question 2

What is heaving to and when is it used as a seamanship technique?

Accepted Answer

Heaving to: backed foresail + sheeted main + lashed helm to leeward creates a nearly stationary vessel making minimal leeway. Used for: crew rest, eating hot food, waiting for a tidal gate, reefing in heavy weather, attending to a non-urgent emergency on board Heaving to on a bermudan sloop: tack without releasing the jib sheet — the backed jib now pushes the bow away; the mainsail pushes the bow back; the balance creates very slow movement (often

Question 3

The yacht grounds on a falling tide. What are the immediate actions in the correct order?

Accepted Answer

Note the time and check the tide table (is it rising or falling?); if rising — may float off shortly, hold position. If falling — assess: heel to reduce draught (all crew to one side); deploy kedge anchor using the dinghy to deep water; motor off in reverse if possible without damaging propeller; protect against further keeling with fenders/lines to a second anchor Grounding on a falling tide: the situation will get worse for hours. Act fast. Options: 1) Motor astern immediately if just grounded; 2) Heel the vessel to reduce draught (move crew/equipment; pull the boom over and weight it; attach halyard to a kedge at an angle); 3) Lay a kedge anchor in deep water and winch off. Protect the vessel against lying on her side — rig a second anchor as a strut or prepare fenders. If she will dry out safely (flat bottom, soft ground): just wait for the flood.