Reply To: Storm Tactics for the Heavenly Twins 26

I have sailed the HT in gale force 9, with the wind aft of the beam you can continue to sail with reefed fore sail, Mike on Allegro 3 has deployed his para anchor successfully several times, though once he had damage to one rudder. Check out the back issues of the news letters for his article.

Personally I try to keep the boat sailing if possible in strong winds. Not possible for ever if you are single handing. The Woods incident was unfortunate. His para anchor was too small for the boat, old, and badly deployed. Don't judge para anchors on his experience.

I think given all the options the para anchor remains the best tool for halting down wind drift and giving you some rest. It seems best if it is deployed to angle the boat slightly off from head to waves, on one corner. It would also appear you have to stop the rudders from getting caught hard over if you are thrown astern, Tieing them off to give the best ride, by trial and error.

There is reading material available from various scourses on the para.

Geoff Linter Ocean Swan