Question 1

You are offshore in Force 7 (28-33 knots). Describe the sea state and practical implications for a 35ft yacht

Accepted Answer

Near gale: waves 4-5.5m (well-developed seas), foam from breaking crests blown in streaks, some spume. Practical: most 35ft yachts should be well reefed (storm jib + deep reefed main or trysail); steering demands are high; crew fatigue accelerates; MOB recovery is extremely difficult; cook below is dangerous Force 7 (Near Gale, 28-33kn): significant wave height 4-5.5m. For a 35ft yacht: reduce to storm canvas before conditions demand it (a reef you don't need is better than a reef you can't take); ensure all crew are clipped on; expect green water over decks; prepare hot food before conditions make cooking dangerous; brief crew on procedures. Very experienced crew needed for MOB drill in these conditions — prevention (tethers always on) is the only viable strategy.

Question 2

The barometer falls 6 hPa in 3 hours. What does this indicate and what action should a skipper take?

Accepted Answer

A rapid fall (>6 hPa in 3h is defined as "very rapid" in MET Office guidance) indicates an approaching vigorous depression — imminent deterioration. Seek shelter, shorten sail, check position and proximity to lee shores, and reassess the passage plan immediately Pressure fall rate classification: Slow = 10 hPa/3h. A 6 hPa fall in 3h is at the rapid/very rapid boundary — a clear warning of a significant approaching depression. Record pressure every 3h in the deck log. A rising glass after a fall can also be significant (cold front passage).

Question 3

What is an occluded front and what weather does it typically bring?

Accepted Answer

Formed when a cold front catches a warm front — the warm sector is lifted off the surface. An occlusion brings a prolonged period of disturbed weather with cloud, rain, and variable winds; the warm sector advantages (relatively settled weather) are lost Depressions evolve: warm and cold fronts develop; the cold front (faster) catches the warm front creating an occlusion. The occluded front combines characteristics of both — persistent cloud and rain, but less organised than a pure cold front. Older depressions are usually occluded. On the synoptic chart: purple line with alternating triangles and semicircles (cold occlusion) or just semicircles (warm occlusion).