How long from Falmouth to Plymouth

[Angele]

I've always been dubious about preventers. If all goes to plan and it stops an accidental gybe without breakign anything, would you be able to steer or would it spin you round side on to the waves?

In relatively light winds, it is easy to gybe back again.

In stronger winds, such as the situation Jimi describes where this would likely be impossible, then the solution is to allow the boom to move across to the new lee side in a controlled way using the mainsheet, whilst letting go the preventer - easiest to do if you have the preventer led back to the cockpit and can ease it gradually.

 

[bbg]

Oh dear; this all seems to be my (quite unintentional) fault.

I'd like to make it clear that I wouldn't actually rig a preventer, gybe or otherwise, in these conditions as I'd be running before the wind under bare poles and streaming a sea anchor/drogue/length of warp/the wife/whatever.

I don't know if it's possible to provoke a row about this suggestion, but anyone who wants to have a go (what's the best sea anchor, anyone?) is more than welcome

I beg to differ. In the advertised conditions the poles would be long gone, the stanchions and lifelines would be long gone, and the topsides and deck would look like they'd been shotblasted by the flying spray.

The only thing that would make things a little bit easier is that the wind will come up VERY quickly (more than 200 mph in the first hour) so the waves won't be huge to begin with.

Getting to Plyouth won't be the problem. Stopping once you get there might be more difficult.

 

[jhr]

Getting to Plyouth won't be the problem. Stopping once you get there might be more difficult.

I've given this a bit of thought. Make sure the bitter end is securely fastened to the boat, preferably with a snubber or numerous strands of shock cord between the chain and the boat to absorb some of the impact from rapid deceleration. Then sling the anchor over the side as you pass Drake Island and I reckon you'll be able to stop before you hit Terra Firma.

The question is, surely, which would be the best anchor for this manouevre? Probably something that digs in progressively, so maybe a Plough?

 

[jimi]

You would'nt want something that is possibly defectively manufactured would you!! Now lets think ..

 

[Angele]

Then sling the anchor over the side as you pass Drake Island and I reckon you'll be able to stop before you hit Terra Firma.

What is the recommended scope in 200+ kt winds? And what is the chance that the whole seabed is ripped up when you attempt this and joins you and the whole of Falmouth on Westward Ho! ?

Edit: Google maps is telling me that Wesward Ho! is not where I thought it was. Should be Plymouth Hoe instead?

 

[jimi]

What is the recommended scope in 200+ kt winds? And what is the chance that the whole seabed is ripped up when you attempt this and joins you and the whole of Falmouth on Westward Ho! ?

Edit: Google maps is telling me that Wesward Ho! is not where I thought it was. Should be The Hoe instead?

where's the "t" gone is Westward .. blown off easwards, I suspect!

 

[jhr]

I once asked for "The Hoe" in Plymouth, which led to my being blown off as well......

 

[Lady Campanula]

Gentlemen. If I may.....

Boom preventer

‘It sounds like adding a lot more cordage to the craft, but if you’re sailing downwind for any length of time it makes sense to protect the gear with a boom preventer. This is a line taken from the clew end of the boom forward to a convenient strong place on deck where it is tied off. In the event of an accidental gybe, the boom(s) will be held in place by this line, avoiding the very real possibility of breakage or injury in heavy sailing conditions.

Often a skipper thinks of adding a boom preventer once he is sailing downwind and it can be a hazardous job for crew to climb out along the boom to attach the line. It makes sense therefore to rig preventers along the boom(s) ready for use as they are needed.

On Thendara the lines are about the length of the boom itself and a preventer is rigged by making a sheet bend to a longer line, taking this forward outside the rigging easily and making fast up forward. Again it’s incredibly simple and saves a lot of time whenever I’s needed. Plus it’s safe. All yachts should have these.'

Classic Boat – ‘On The Water Seamanship’ - September 2010

But then, what do I know....?

 

[jimi]

Gentlemen. If I may.....





But then, what do I know....?

Nuffink .. Boom Boom ... now stop that ;-)

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Nuffink .. Boom Boom ... now stop that ;-)

Well you should stop sparring with everybody, too.