Yourbestsail · video

What this video covers

Heavy weather sailing techniques include running before the wind, managing wave-induced broaching, and using drogue lines to stabilize the stern.4:09 When running in large following seas, manual steering outperforms autopilots, which struggle with energy consumption and constant load.6:53 To prevent broaching, trailing a long line in a U-shape from the stern cleats acts as a brake and directional stabilizer.8:52 In high-wind conditions, moving the mainsail traveler to windward helps the boat recover speed after climbing steep waves, though this limits upwind performance.7:45

Regarding collision avoidance under COLREGs, vessels must distinguish between the stand-on and give-way roles.9:42 When a large vessel fails to maneuver as required, a stand-on vessel forced to take emergency action should turn to starboard to avoid confusion, never to port.12:33 Anchoring in 30-knot winds over sand requires a scope of 6:1 to 7:1.14:36 Finally, wave refraction causes swells to align parallel to coastlines, while headlands act as lenses that concentrate wave energy, increasing height and steepness compared to the dispersive effect of bays.17:14

More from Yourbestsail

The function of the centerboardAug 2026Marinas and Yacht Clubs: ProceduresAug 2026The 10 most common mistakes when docking a boatJun 2026Anchoring: wave diffractionJun 2026

From Yourbestsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.