08/01/2026
Excellent reminders here..
At some point, preparation ends. The lines come off, the inlet opens up, and the passage begins. What you do underway matters just as much as what you did at the dock before leaving.
Here are four tips for when the weather turns while you're out there:
1. In heavy weather, drive the boat.
Dialing in the throttles and handing things to the autopilot is not always the answer in confused, breaking seas. Meet the big rollers at the most advantageous angle and speed. Know your hull's sweet spot, and use it.
2. Keep the crew fed and hydrated.
Hungry or dehydrated crew make poor decisions. Cook the meal before the bad weather arrives. Make the thermos of coffee. Top off the water bottles. A crew that's been taken care of performs and that matters when it's 0300 and the weather hasn't improved.
3. Have a man-overboard plan. A real one.
Know how you'll get someone back aboard, not in theory, but in practice. Standard swim platforms place a recovered crew member dangerously close to props and rudders. Amidships ladder setups keep the person clear and give you better maneuverability. Think through the scenario before you need it.
4. Monitor the VHF. Use it.
Not every vessel runs AIS. Some fishing boats have it switched off. At night, you're looking for lights. When you're uncertain about another vessel's intentions simply call them. That's what the radio is for.
There's no substitute for experience on the water. But the habits of experienced passagemakers can be studied, discussed, and applied. That's what this series is about. Please share any tips that you routinely follow as well. We’ll see you on the water!
