Blog

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) hosted an information evening on downwind sailing in heavy air. The event was held due to recommendations following the loss of two lives in the last Sydney to Hobart. It was moderated by CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes and some experienced sailors in the panel:

• Adam Brown: Offshore racing specialist with three victories in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
• Jack Macartney: Two-time Sydney Hobart winner, round-the-world sailor, heavy weather helming specialist.
• Mike Green: Described as one of the best offshore sailing masters, with three Sydney Hobart victories.

The talk reinforced my belief in the importance of maintaining the target heel angle and keeping the boat as “unloaded” as possible to avoid fighting against the forces from the sailplane or rudder. It also highlighted the need for a clear exit strategy when approaching large waves – unless you can reverse out of them 😀

My top takeaways below.

1. Safety First: Always prioritize the safety of your crew. Be aware of the conditions and prepare for the worst-case scenarios. Ensure that everyone knows how to use safety equipment and when to use it.
2. Communication is Key: Effective communication between the crew is crucial, especially in heavy weather conditions. Make sure all commands are clear and everyone understands their roles.
3. Proper Preparation: Thorough preparation of the boat and crew is essential. This includes safety training sessions, checking all equipment, and ensuring that everyone knows where all safety gear is located.
4. Understanding Weather and Sea State: Diagnose the difference between sea state and swell. Adjust sailing strategies according to the prevailing conditions to avoid accidents like crash jibes and broaches.
5. Practice Sail and Maneuver Management: Regularly practice sail changes, reefing, and emergency maneuvers under different conditions before the race. This builds competence and confidence in handling the boat under stress.
6. Managing Fatigue and Crew Health: Ensure the crew is well-rested, hydrated, and properly nourished. Monitor for seasickness and other health issues, which can severely impact performance and safety.
7. Crew Role Assignment and Training: Assign clear roles and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities, especially during critical maneuvers. Conduct regular drills and training sessions to keep skills sharp.
8. Balance and Boat Handling: Keep the boat balanced by adjusting sail trim and crew positioning.  Know the limits of your boat’s handling to avoid capsizing or uncontrolled broaching.
9. Use of Instruments and Senses: Calibrate instruments properly for both upwind and downwind sailing. Use natural senses such as feel, balance, and sight to maintain control, especially in heavy weather.
10. Emergency Procedures and Decision Making: Have clear emergency protocols for situations like crash jibes, man overboard (MOB), and other potential incidents. Make informed decisions about continuing versus retiring from a race based on crew fatigue and safety. Do not let competitive drive override the safety of the crew.

Transcript.