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1. throwa+(OP)[view] [source] 2021-10-01 07:14:04
They footage is very cool, and also terrifying. Is the SailDrone designed in some special way to avoid capsizing in such extreme conditions? For that matter what do regular (amateur) boaters do if their sailboat or motorized boat get caught in a bad storm on the open ocean?
replies(5): >>Edward+71 >>unwind+J1 >>occams+B2 >>dankin+R5 >>sbacic+e6
2. Edward+71[view] [source] 2021-10-01 07:27:06
>>throwa+(OP)
From what I recall, it's designed with a "hurricane wing"[1].

As for regular yachts - drop a drogue, run before the storm with a bare minimum of sails up to maintain steering ability, try to keep the waves on your stern.

[1]: https://www.saildrone.com/news/tropical-atlantic-hurricane-m...

3. unwind+J1[view] [source] 2021-10-01 07:33:41
>>throwa+(OP)
Their vechicle technology page [1] has some details about the design, with pictures of the underwater parts too. It seems to be a combination of the rigid sail, the crossing "spar", and some sub-surface features.

Also surprised at the scale of the things, the smallest model is 7 m (23 ft) long, the largest is a whopping 22 m (72 feet).

Pretty cool things!

[1]: https://www.saildrone.com/technology/vehicles

4. occams+B2[view] [source] 2021-10-01 07:43:14
>>throwa+(OP)
For that matter what do regular (amateur) boaters do if their sailboat or motorized boat get caught in a bad storm on the open ocean?

They footage IS very cool, for that matter what do EXPERIENCED boaters do if their sailboat or motorized boat get caught in a bad storm?

replies(2): >>axiosg+Z4 >>enriqu+J5
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5. axiosg+Z4[view] [source] [discussion] 2021-10-01 08:10:42
>>occams+B2
Pray
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6. enriqu+J5[view] [source] [discussion] 2021-10-01 08:20:59
>>occams+B2
> what do EXPERIENCED boaters do if their sailboat or motorized boat get caught in a bad storm?

Nowadays I'd say experienced boaters never get to that point. There's reliable weather forecasting and near-instantaneous radar data. You can avoid the storms.

replies(1): >>jacque+l7
7. dankin+R5[view] [source] 2021-10-01 08:23:41
>>throwa+(OP)
The term to Google is “heavy weather sailing”. There are a number of techniques that start with checking the weather well ahead of time.

If you’re stuck at sea with a hurricane barreling down you can try to sail around the equatorial edge of it (in the northern hemisphere you try to sail south of it). Hurricanes tend to veer away from the equator. Moreover the wind and waves will be behind you, so you’re less likely to get knocked over by a gust or a wave. The boat is quite literally surfing.

If things get really bad you might heave-to which is a way to work the wind against itself causing the boat to mostly stall. It’s supposed to be very safe in heavy winds, but you would be pointing at the waves which is bound to be unpleasant.

Finally, a sailboat’s keel is very heavy. Check out the diagrams at [1]. The mast has to be well below water before the sailboat prefers turtling to upright.

[1] http://troldand.dk/en/?The_Boat___Stability

replies(1): >>jacque+j7
8. sbacic+e6[view] [source] 2021-10-01 08:26:45
>>throwa+(OP)
> For that matter what do regular (amateur) boaters do if their sailboat or motorized boat get caught in a bad storm on the open ocean?

I am far from an expert on this topic, but for sailboats; sea anchors and storm sails. The first is a parachute-like device that keeps the boat pointed in the right direction relative to the waves. The second is a small, tough sail used when any other sail, even while reefed, would be too big.

If you can't make it to shelter in time, it's better to weather the storm in open water than near the shore - at least that way, you won't risk hitting something and sinking.

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9. jacque+j7[view] [source] [discussion] 2021-10-01 08:37:15
>>dankin+R5
In theory. In practice things will never ever go as planned and you're going to have to improvise. Stuff will break, wind will change direction rapidly, you may have to chop a sail, you may lose a mast.

The very best way to deal with heavy weather is to be on the shore.

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10. jacque+l7[view] [source] [discussion] 2021-10-01 08:37:39
>>enriqu+J5
Exactly.
replies(1): >>OldHan+RT
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11. OldHan+RT[view] [source] [discussion] 2021-10-01 14:41:08
>>jacque+l7
My understanding is that you can sail completely around the world in a small sailboat without ever being more than 2-3 weeks from a port of call. You check the weather forecast and leave for the next leg of your journey when you have a high confidence of a good weather window. And I've heard that pretty much no port will kick you out if you overstay your visa by waiting for safe weather (though you probably have to stay on the boat and not come ashore).

Also, at least in the US, typical boat insurance is very expensive if you want to have your boat anywhere near hurricane "areas" during hurricane season. People up here in the northern US like to take their boats down to Florida or the Caribbean during winter, but generally their insurance policy is null and void if they get there before Dec 1.

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