Going out to sea with your own boat is, of course, a fantastic experience. It's also a huge challenge, because nowhere are your skills as a captain tested as much as on the open sea where waves have free rein. How do you conquer the heavy waves at sea? Here are some tips.
More course stability
Matteo Bonci researched the behavior of fast ships in large waves. When these waves come from behind, they pose a real threat to any boat. They can make a ship unmanageable, causing you to drift considerably off course or, even worse, cause your boat to capsize.
Bonci wondered whether boats sailing in high waves are sufficiently equipped for this. According to the Italian researcher, the maneuverability of ships is mainly optimized for calm water. Bonci concluded after his research that if you increase the fins and rudder surface of a fast ship by about 25 percent, this generates much more course stability.
CE Certificate
Despite Bonci's recommendations, you'll have to make do with the boat you've purchased. As long as it's a seaworthy boat, with enough experience, you can take on the waves. You can check if the boat is seaworthy on its CE certificate.
Category A and B for at sea
For a sea voyage where a boat can handle waves up to 4 meters high and a wind force of 8 on the Beaufort scale, you need at least category B. Do you also want to sail the oceans? That is only possible with a boat from category A. These boats are also suitable for sailing in a wind force above 8. Moreover, many sailing yachts from this category are self-righting. Those who still want to get a taste of the sea can use a category C boat in coastal waters and bays to brave waves of up to 2 meters high.
Good preparation is half the battle
Anyone who wants to sail at sea must prepare well. You are dealing with different circumstances than when you sail on a lake or pond. Especially if you sail away from the coast and land is out of sight, you are at the mercy of the sea and must be able to rely on your own capabilities as a seafarer.
If you don't want to be surprised, checking the weather forecasts thoroughly beforehand is the least you should do before conquering the waves. Of course, you also keep an eye on the weather and wind forecasts during sailing with modern tools such as the Windfinder app.
There are more basic conditions. For example, is there enough fuel and provisions on board in case the journey takes longer than expected? Do you have a maritime telephone (VHF radio) at hand with which you can reach the coast guard in case of emergency? Also ensure adequate navigation equipment that you or at least one person on board can actually operate. In addition, good anchoring gear with sufficient chain and line is not an unnecessary luxury to have on your boat.
Don't underestimate the dangers
Sailing in high waves may be spectacular, but it is not without danger. High waves bring enormous amounts of water that can mercilessly crash onto the deck. So you must at least have a boat that you can completely close off. This way you prevent water from entering the hold.
If you are going to sail on rough water, it is absolutely essential that you have sufficient experience. It takes a lot of steering skills to maneuver a sailing yacht through the high waves without a scratch. Do you lack that experience? Then choose calmer water with lower waves.
If you unexpectedly end up in a storm, you can apply a storm tactic where you run ahead of the storm. You do this by pointing the stern of the ship at the waves. By using a sea anchor, you can also reduce the speed of the boat.
