Something to think about ~ More dangerous than pirates ! ask zee !

[Suky Cannon]

So... pick your weather as best you can ~Suky

According to Andrew Claughton in Heavy Weather Sailing 30th ed. p 21 "This (the test data presented in the chapter- see excerpt below) suggests that alterations in form (of a sailboat) that improves capsize resistance may be rendered ineffective by a relatively small increase in breaking wave height.

"The 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race Review Committee report, summarized by Peter Bush, the committee chair, reported the following as one of the significant findings: "There is no evidence that any particular style or design of boat fared better or worse in the conditions. The age of yacht, age of design, construction method, construction material, high or low stability, heavy or light displacement, or rig type were not determining factors. Whether or not a yacht was hit by an extreme wave was a matter of chance."
(Ref: Rob Mundle in Fatal Storm, Publisher's Afterward p 249. International Marine/McGraw-Hill Camden, Maine.)
According to Andrew Claughton in Heavy Weather Sailing 30th ed. p 21 "This (the test data presented in the chapter) suggests that alterations in form (of a sailboat) that improves capsize resistance may be rendered ineffective by a relatively small increase in breaking wave height."

[___/)ances With Sails]

Yes I too am concerned and am stirred in thought to the addressed as I know the mechanics of a wave thus realize where they're prone to break, nevertheless in a coastal environment (and where currents clash) where I tend to abide. Think I will defer commenting (lacking boat handling experience in such locale) and sit w/ my ears perked.

___/)

[Terri]

I read somewhere in heavy weather sailing that it doesn't take a huge wave to capsize a boat. It's more of how the boat is hit by it. They gave example using a 30' sailboat. I will try to find this information and forward. It was quite surprising actually how small the wave would have to be. I too don't have enough knowledge on this subject but will follow intently.

[___/)ances With Sails]

Thanks for the heads up, just ordered a copy(s) of Beaches and Waves and The crest of a wave.

[___/)ances With Sails]

Great. No wonder they were only $4.00 a copy. Hope its' compensated w/ the pertty pictures.

[John Shasteen]

I would agree that breaking wave height changes may make more difference than boat design. However, offshore in deep water, large waves do not typically break. I've been in 30+ foot seas (driven by 60+ knot winds) in the Gulf that are just giant rollers. In those conditions, I assure you that boat design and ability to sail in those conditions makes a huge difference.

[Suky]

Inexperienced in those conditions, I'm happy to hear your view.
I posted this Primarily because I was interested in breaking waves especially
near coastal and even in the big bays of the northeast where I grew up sailing it can suddenly be very nasty.
Today, I heard of a sailor who sailed Cape Horn in Contessa 32 and wouldn't do it in any other. I see a lot of them inEurope. What do do think about that vessel?

[John Shasteen]

Suky, the Contessa is an excellent boat and beautiful as well. But there are a lot of very solid, bluewater boats - as strong as the Contessa, many of them in the same price range or even less: Cape Dory, Bristol, Block Island, Alberg, Morris, Pacific Seacraft, Westsail, Eastward Ho and more.

[Suky Cannon]

The contessa's lines make me swoon but her price makes me faint. Thanks for the list... some are on my short list Cape Dory, Bristol... Some I've eliminated... Westsail because I think she's too much for single hand. Morris too expensive...though I'll look again..
I don't know the Block Island or Eastward Ho.... thanks John.

[zeehag]

seems wavesand lightning are the most un fun sailing i have ever had the fun to get to know---when the wave is breaking over the boat or trying to take ya with it and is trying to make a breaker with your boat inside of the curl, there is a bunch of fun to right yourself----especially in the dark .... lightnoing is not fun to sail in especially when there is nothing but cloud to water bolts all around ya like on our way to apalachacola this past few days----wow and whew---i never prayed so hard in my life...lol--kat thought we were trying to kill him----i am happy we are able to write and continue sailing .....!!!!..the handling of as boat in near shore waters with shallow depth and steep chop with breakers is much more difficult than in the deeper waters ---say 100 ft or so ----where the water tends to roll more than chop--however, in a lightning storm, there will be steep curls and choppy water as the wind direction is not consistent---will circle and draw cold threads into it---when you feel the cold threads in hot wind, get to shelter if you are not in a passage making situation--isnt worth the work necessary to keep safe handling......

[zeehag]

did i mention the lightning???????

[Suky]

Wow and whew too! And no zee you didn't mention lightening! Would like more report when you're rested.

[Ray]

The Contessa 26 is the boat Tanya Aebi sailed around the world when she was 18 years old. No core material in those boats. Decks are solid fiberglass.