Multihulls and heavy weather

[Guest]

When it comes to the management of monos in heavy weather, though preferably not encountered, this situation finds me at least knowing my options. However, when it comes to multihulls I can only operate on a basis of assumption - i.e., the same basic rules apply, with an obviously increased emphasis on not capsizing.

Are the same options (e.g., run before wind, hove-to, hove-to with sea-anchor, sea-anchor, lying ahull) applicable? What are the preferred options?
I am also keen to hear other general comments on (mid-range - i.e., <30') multihulls and seamanship.

Cheers, Tonysail - Darwin Australia

 

[chippie]

Hi Tonysail, I have a 34' trimaran and cant help much with your heavy weather request as coastal sailing is all I do , and as I am a softie I keep a good eye on the weather forecasts and use the boat's speed to stay out of it. From reading it would seem that keeping the boat sailing is the best thing if you have the sea room to do it. The major problem would seem to be slowing the boat down.
One thing I learned the hard way was when sailing fast off the wind beware you may be seriously over canvassed if you turn on to it. I know it seems obvious but as the trimaran is so stable I had developed a false sense of security.
From my reading also it would seem that cats tip over sideways and tris go over forwards on the diagonal. As I state that is from reading only --I hope it stays that way.

I have had my boat surfing nicely with the sails set wing on wing with a steady breeze and about 6' of swell.Great sailing!

What type of multihull do you have?

Good sailing to you.

 

[Guest]

Chippie
Thanks for the feedback. What you say endorses what I understand, so it is refreshing to hear. To answer your return question - currently I do not own a multihull, but am currently building a ply dory with the longer term possibility of building a Woods designed Gypsy depending on how the current project goes.

The Gypsy is 28' and thus not as big as many other multis, but hey, ya builds what ya can afford aye! And I figure I shall just figure out the seakeeping part on the water. And a start date on that project is at least 12 months away.

Anyway, take care and enjoy the tri. Cheers, Tonysail - Darwin

 

[boatmike]

I have been sailing Multihulls for a while now and they are very safe in heavy weather if you have a well found and designed vessel but there are several things to avoid. The apparent wind going downwind is small compared with the true wind due to the higher boat speed. NEVER turn to windward with too much sail up!
Drouges and sea anchors work well in extreme conditions if set right. I strongly recommend Heavy Weather Sailing by Adlard Coles which has (in the latest edition) a very good chapter on Multis. It is an expensive tome but no one should go to the open sea without reading it first in my opinion. It has saved lives........
Good luck and happy sailing cobber!