There have been many discussions about the seamanship required to survive a life-threatening storm. Reefing, steaming warps, drogues, and heaving too have all be discussed.
It is also common knowledge that lockers and companionways need to be secured and cockpits need large drains because in the case of boarding seas or knockdown the boat can take on water and flounder.
I've only been on two boats that were pinned down to about maybe 75 degrees.
In both cases I got to tell you we were very busy just holding on.
It is very, very hard to actively sail the boat in these conditions.
In Abby's case according to the book she had just come through a pretty bad storm and was just cleaning up below when a rogue wave rolled the boat. She bounced around the cabin quite a bit and was even knocked out for a few seconds.
So here is the question?
When does the captain make the decision to leave the cockpit?
If the conditions are so brutal that you can't see 6 inches and your hands don't work it is so cold you might as well go below.
If you get so tired it is not safe to be above.
If the boat gets rolled you are very likely going to loose the rig. Not for sure but very possible so staying on deck and actively keeping the boat right side up is a good thing.
But here is my point. If the likelihood of a roll is high do people often survive in the cockpit? Do you remember any reports where people stay tethered and survive? Un-thering is an option, risky but possible if their are other crew boats nearby like in a race but not much of an option for cruising alone.
It is also common knowledge that lockers and companionways need to be secured and cockpits need large drains because in the case of boarding seas or knockdown the boat can take on water and flounder.
I've only been on two boats that were pinned down to about maybe 75 degrees.
In both cases I got to tell you we were very busy just holding on.
It is very, very hard to actively sail the boat in these conditions.
In Abby's case according to the book she had just come through a pretty bad storm and was just cleaning up below when a rogue wave rolled the boat. She bounced around the cabin quite a bit and was even knocked out for a few seconds.
So here is the question?
When does the captain make the decision to leave the cockpit?
If the conditions are so brutal that you can't see 6 inches and your hands don't work it is so cold you might as well go below.
If you get so tired it is not safe to be above.
If the boat gets rolled you are very likely going to loose the rig. Not for sure but very possible so staying on deck and actively keeping the boat right side up is a good thing.
But here is my point. If the likelihood of a roll is high do people often survive in the cockpit? Do you remember any reports where people stay tethered and survive? Un-thering is an option, risky but possible if their are other crew boats nearby like in a race but not much of an option for cruising alone.