What to do if see a waterspout heading our way?

[tudorsailor]

I am currently in the Aegean. I have read and heard that waterspouts can occur around here. They apparently travel fast and are strong enough to fling a dinghy up into the air. So if I see one coming, and have time to think and act, what should I do

Has anyone any experience of a waterspout passing over their boat?

Thanks

TudorSailor

 

[alant]

I am currently in the Aegean. I have read and heard that waterspouts can occur around here. They apparently travel fast and are strong enough to fling a dinghy up into the air. So if I see one coming, and have time to think and act, what should I do

Has anyone any experience of a waterspout passing over their boat?

Thanks

TudorSailor

Stick your head between your legs & kiss your ---- goodbye!

 

[mjcoon]

I am currently in the Aegean. I have read and heard that waterspouts can occur around here. They apparently travel fast and are strong enough to fling a dinghy up into the air. So if I see one coming, and have time to think and act, what should I do?

Has anyone any experience of a waterspout passing over their boat?

Prepare as if for a squall?

And - no!

Mike.

 

[Mrnotming]

If sails are up a dismasting can and has occurred[Rolex Middle Sea yacht whilst ignoring advice).multiple spouts make it a bit dodgy to avoid all.The phenomenon stops when the "water trumpet" reaches land.Exceptionally these can occur as far north as Corsica,Bastia,where we had our fright!http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/waterspout.html

 

[RupertW]

Take pictures- they will be the only sailing pictures your friends will ever actually be interested in.
We had two waterspouts forming and reforming and coming our way off Croatia. What I hadn't anticipated was the height and girth of quite small waterspouts if fairly close. Like whirling double sized Nelsons columns chasing you.

We dumped the sails, zipped up the mainsail and motored at top speed for 5 minutes at right angles to their weaving path. Then the protesting engine overheated so we unfurled the Genoa and sailed until they were past.
Most importantly though I posted pictures and commentary on Facebook as it all happened as nothing is real until it is on social media.

 

[Seajet]

As mentioned, get the sails down quick as if a line squall is approaching; if it really looks like hitting, get everyone below and batten down the hatches - if there's sea room to do so.

Yes grab a camera if there's one handy.

A few minor waterspouts occurred in the Western Solent some years ago, no harm done but it would have got my attention if I was out in a dinghy.

 

[macd]

...nothing is real until it is on social media.

In which case someone ought to start a thread about being jumped on by whales. More common on social media

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Waterspouts in the Aegean are as frequent and damaging as the ones in the Solent

 

[JumbleDuck]

Waterspouts in the Aegean are as frequent and damaging as the ones in the Solent

I saw a waterspout off the Mull of Kintyre once. It was very impressive.

 

[jordanbasset]

I can remember a few years ago now sailing just off Corfu town and we saw 3 or 4 of them in the space of 20 minutes. We did worry a little but none got too close to us.

 

[savageseadog]

We saw a waterspout while we were off the Great Orme, North Wales a couple of years ago. I estimated it to be about four miles away. I imagine routine would be drop, secure sails and any other loose items, go below with boards in.

 

[sailaboutvic]

I can remember a few years ago now sailing just off Corfu town and we saw 3 or 4 of them in the space of 20 minutes. We did worry a little but none got too close to us.

Yes we remember that day clearly and didn't we get wet too .

 

[oldharry]

One came up Barmouth estuary 20+ years ago,sinking a couple of boats as it passed. Presumably they were open boats that got swamped.

 

[jordanbasset]

Yes we remember that day clearly and didn't we get wet too .

Good days

 

[dslittle]

A few minor waterspouts occurred in the Western Solent some years ago, no harm done but it would have got my attention if I was out in a dinghy.

One of them 'chased' us into the Nab Channel. Impressive to watch and no harm done to boat but the attendant rain managed to soak my phone in my pocket (waterproof case safely down below!!!) and stop it working... We have got photos but I will have to read up again on how to post them on here!!!

 

[Trident]

Two hit San Antoni in Ibiza last August - both came in to the bay with around 100 boats anchored or on buoys - and missed almost every one! Whilst I do know a man who was knocked down by one in Croatia I think the size of the ocean (even in an enclosed bay like San Antoni) means the odds of getting hit is very very small so I really wouldn't worry too much

 

[jonjo]

Waterspouts fall into two categories, most are relatively weak dust-devils over the water. The truly frighting examples are fully wound up tornadoes that have wandered over the sea.

 

[KellysEye]

Drop the sails go below, close the hatch then hold on tight. We have seen one off the south Greek coast but not heading our way fortunately.

 

[DownWest]

Some where I have a couple of pics of the two that were following us near The Sporades, not close enough to worry about.
I saw one crossing the sea wall in Portimao, short hiccup as it crossed the dry, then carried on across the Harbour and ripped up some fishermans shacks.
Similar wind ripped off my w/shop roof a bit further in land, but one calls that a Tornado.

 

[Kukri]

Years ago I saw a slide of one in Walton Backwaters!