"Hoist the storm cones"

[Boo2]

Just came across this phrase in Adlard Coles' "Heavy Weather Sailing" and wondered what storm cones are ? A quick google says they are canvas cones hoisted in storm condidions but they were not mentioned in any of my RYA courses ? Are they hoisted point up or down ? Before the mast or after ?

Anyone ever hoisted storm cones ?

Boo2

 

[earlybird]

Hoisted on-shore, not on ships/boats. Point up or down, N. or S. cones indicated expected wind direction.
Pre-digital age!

 

[prv]

Hoisted on shore as a signal not to put out to sea (or for coastal craft to head for harbour). Superseded by cheaper and more portable radios to listen to the Shipping Forecast

Pete

 

[Biggles Wader]

They used to hoist a gale warning cone at harbour entrances when there was a errrr gale warning.

 

[fisherman]

still used at Falmouth CG in the 70s

 

[VicS]

Just came across this phrase in Adlard Coles' "Heavy Weather Sailing" and wondered what storm cones are ? A quick google says they are canvas cones hoisted in storm condidions but they were not mentioned in any of my RYA courses ? Are they hoisted point up or down ? Before the mast or after ?

Anyone ever hoisted storm cones ?

Boo2

Well they are mentioned in the RYA "Yachtsman's Weather Map" book which I had when I did my YM shorebased course

The locations at which they are ( were) hoisted are listed in my copy of RYA booklet G5, Weather Forecasts

In any case since they are mentioned, and illustrated, in my Observer's Book of Weather they are something I knew about long before doing a YM course.

 

[David2452]

Mmm.. sounds as rare as a motor sailing cone.

 

[PotatoNavigator]

Mmm.. sounds as rare as a motor sailing cone.

What's a motor sailing cone?

 

[VicS]

See also

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/1/f/Fact_sheet_No._8.pdf

 

[graham]

A motor sailing cone is a day shape hoisted to indicate a yachtmaster exam is in progress.

 

[Woodlouse]

Seem to recall seeing them used in St Helier as recently as 2008, the system there being a cone to denote strong winds forecast and balls to signify the expected strength.

 

[l'escargot]

Seem to recall seeing them used in St Helier as recently as 2008, the system there being a cone to denote strong winds forecast and balls to signify the expected strength.

Still displayed from Fort Regent and will be up today - SW F6 strong wind warning put out by Jersey Coastguard this morning for later. Cone above ball for F6 or 7 and cone alone for F8 and above, cone pointing up or down for north or south.

 

[PotatoNavigator]

A motor sailing cone is a day shape hoisted to indicate a yachtmaster exam is in progress.

 

[30boat]

These are the signs that used to be hoisted in Macau,and most likely in Hong Kong,to warn the people of bad weather.
To my knowledge the strong monsoon signs,not depicted here ,and the Typhoon signs are still hoisted to this day.
There was a gale here three days ago and a black cylinder was hoisted at the lifeboat station.

 

[davidej]

Seem to recall seeing them used in St Helier as recently as 2008, the system there being a cone to denote strong winds forecast and balls to signify the expected strength.

One was hoisted when we were there this summer enjoying(!) 50+kn winds

 

[David2452]

A motor sailing cone is a day shape hoisted to indicate a yachtmaster exam is in progress.

Oh, and here's me thinking it was an indication that the vessel is capable of behaving differently to a vessel under sail giving me some kind of clue what to expect and how to treat it, you live and learn, must remember to switch off my nav lights except when taking yet another exam as it all seems optional.

 

[Woodlouse]

One was hoisted when we were there this summer enjoying(!) 50+kn winds

Glad to know they're still doing it.

 

[chrishscorp]

What's a motor sailing cone?

Considering the above plate, does one need to have a uniform onboard and wear it in order to raise either/optional cones ? this could explain lack of use

 

[VicS]

Considering the above plate, does one need to have a uniform onboard and wear it in order to raise either/optional cones ? this could explain lack of use

As already explained these are hoisted at onshore stations not on board a yacht.

When that photo was taken such stations Coastguard, harbour masters etc would have worn a uniform.

These days of course the jobs would be subcontracted to some local security firm employing yobs in ragged jeans and tee shirts with offensive slogans who would not know their north from their ass.

 

[ianj99]

still used at Falmouth CG in the 70s

+1 in the North East, as were rockets to summon the Lifeboat crew as recently as the noughties.