[smackdaddy]

Good point Joms. I think you nailed it. "We know that we don't know enough." I agree 110%. That's why I don't think definitive statements are quite ready for prime time. In addition to your linear wave model example, think about how many times medical studies have done a 180.

I do concur that the JSD/USCG testing is a very good basis for data regarding drogues. But because it is such - it makes you wonder if the statement in paragraph 6.6 about sea anchors off the bow is meant to be a definitive proclamation - or meant to position the intent of the report; that it is about drogues not sea anchors. That's why I'm interested in the other report Dog mentioned.

As far as drogues go, I personally don't think there's much room for argument. The JSD rocks. But then you have people like the Pardey's who went through 20 gales/storms that required various storm tactics - and did a good amount of testing the sea anchor chute specifically in actual HW conditions (not tanks and computer models). The sea anchor thing worked pretty well for them for a long time. That's real world experience - not theoretical testing. So it seems to me that we sailors should give a bit more credence to the technique than the JSD website recommends.

Again, I think you're right. Both have merits.