Hove to - storm tactics

[Interim]

Just want to jump back in because my first post was a bit ambiguous.

The genny is sheeted tight to windward. If we are sailing on a starboard tack, we turn to starboard but leave the genny alone. It is full, stable, and backwinded.

The main moves over to the starboard side (port tack), but is trimmed enough to be full and not flogging. This pressure counterbalances the genny.

Just give us a little sea room, and we are fine for extended periods.

--interim

[Jimmyt]

In gentle to moderate breezes, I have found heaving to safe and useful. I am not sure that heaving to is a good maneuver in storm conditions. In high winds, a flogging mainsail can tear itself up pretty quickly. Given the gusty nature of storm winds, I don't think the boat would stay in equilibrium very long, and a particularly heavy gust could possibly capsize the boat.

Agree. Great maneuver for gentle to moderate breezes with a Genoa and main. Great for rescuing the skipper who falls overboard, making a sandwich, answering nature’s call, etc. But, you better be reefed down to almost nothing if you’re going to heave-to to ride out a blow. And you better make sure your furling line is in good condition and your reefing is very secure, as sails may unfurl when it gets hairy. It will be a wild ride under the best conditions. You definitely won’t want to be riding it out under a continuous knock-down.

[dlandersson]

My prefered position when there's heavy weather on the water

[Jimmyt]

My prefered position when there's heavy weather on the water

Yes! That looks way better!

[NiceAft]

My prefered position when there's heavy weather on the water

And which one is YOU

[Stickinthemud57]

My prefered position when there's heavy weather on the water

And which one is YOU

LOL

Any one of them these days, depending on your mood!