bumblefish
Well-Known Member
So, if I go for the warps option, as opposed to drogue or anchor, how much do I need and what size, 29' 6''???
Jester again?
- Thread starter bumblefish
- Start date
Wansworth
Well-Known Member
Well you have four years to find out,have to get out there and experiment,the drouge idea sounds good.There was an article Isaw about it I will llok it out ,some blole made his own .
Salty John
Well-Known Member
Warps tied in a bight are the best option I think and, depending on conditions you will need 100 to 300 meters. Towing warps has the advantage of slowing you down but not stopping you as a sea anchor would, which brings its own problems - loss of buoyancy astern, potential for rudder damage. Some people advocate tying fenders, tyres, anchors etc to the towed warp. I marvel at the forsight of such people to have prepared all this before it becomes impossible to move around the boat! Strongpoints for securing the warps is a big problem. I used to run warps (my mooring lines all joined together and the rode from my kedge anchor) from the bow cleats and then pick up the stern cleats; the coil of line was tied down on the lazarette ready to be flung over when needed. I never did deploy the warps in anger, but I have tried them on a couple of occasions. Recovery is best done by releasing one side and then hauling in the single line instead of trying to recover the bight.
You are likely to sail several lifetimes without ever finding the need to trail warps. If heaving to or lying ahull or running under bare poles doesn't do it I really find it difficult to imagine that trailing warps will make a significant improvement. I used to set up the warps when there was the potential for heavy weather because it felt like I was better prepared, but I never did use them even in very severe conditions.
You are likely to sail several lifetimes without ever finding the need to trail warps. If heaving to or lying ahull or running under bare poles doesn't do it I really find it difficult to imagine that trailing warps will make a significant improvement. I used to set up the warps when there was the potential for heavy weather because it felt like I was better prepared, but I never did use them even in very severe conditions.
