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If you're thinking it might be time to shorten sails...
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I sure wish I would have had Windy Lookout with me
the day we were out on Utah Lake when this beast came out of nowhere.
A new weather App, created by sailors...for sailors...
to keep us informed when a "wind event" pulls a sneak "clobberin' time".
From Windy Lookout's author/creator, Sean Thorton:
Currently the proof of concept system is pulling from over 15 weather stations. When our threshold is met, an alert is triggered and notifications are instantly sent out to the subscribed users. Currently the proof of concept sends a text SMS message.
This information will help users prepare for coming inclement weather and give them extra time to either prepare or seek shelter at the nearest marina.
Our next steps are to move the proof of concept system to a mobile application, using push notifications to alert users. By utilizing location services, we also have the user locations readily available for search and rescue or first responders with their last known positions should an emergency arise. I believe there is a need for a dedicated robust system that specializes in this functionality as it has the potential to save lives.
I am currently a software engineer with 10 years of industry experience. I have specialized in building/designing enterprise solutions handling and processing big data sets to provide users with the right information at the right time.
The next bit of safety equipment (in those sudden storms)
you really ought to have hanging off your bow pulpit,
is an anchor of proper size and weight.
The affordable and ubiquitous Danforth anchor is a reliable,
trusty bit of safety equipment that will do you absolutely no good in a sudden storm...
if it is stored in a cockpit locker.
Get your anchor out where it can be used immediately.
Hang it from some sort of anchor bracket on your bow pulpit.
There are a few different styles to decide on.
Sudden storms roll across Utah Lake...and are gone in one to two hours,
not really that long to wait out one of these strong storms...
by anchoring out.
With our average water depth around 9.9', no math is really needed to figure scope,
if you're in panic mode.
Just pay out all your anchor rode. All 100'.
(You'll need to lay your ground tackle out on the docks, and do some measuring).
But you do need to do your homework.
Your anchor rode just needs to be 100' in length.
That's basically using a 10 / 1 scope when out on Utah Lake.
The magic number for safe storm tactics.
If you're a numbers fanatic, mark your ground tackle
so you know exactly what kind of scope you are actually dealing with.
O.K. So how do you REALLY KNOW if your anchor set is holding??
At anchor in St. Barths, Garmin 276C
Track your swing at anchor with your GPS "bread crumb trail"...
or use Navionics course line to illustrate your boats "swing" while at anchor.
It's fun to watch real time bread crumbs building up in the same arc
(if your anchor is holding)
or a retreat course
(if your anchor is dragging).
At Anchor, off Ile Tintamarre, Caribbean, Navionics
This GPS trick also works if you are spending the night at anchor
(just for fun)
and want to check your anchor set...without having to leave your warm sleeping bag.
There's lots of debate on scope.
Consider all the variables, and then make your own decision.
But practice in many conditions, with your boat's ground tackle and type/weight of anchor.
7 / 1 works well on Utah Lake, with 100' of chain / 3 braid nylon rode,
and Danforth anchor (hung on the bow pulpit).
But you've got to use it to believe in your system as a safe option in strong winds.
Inventive anchoring
Kellett, what it is, and how can it help your anchoring?
Bonneville teaches U.S. Sailing approved anchoring techniques.
Basic Learn to Sail, Lesson 3
Reserve your spot now
801-636-5204
You put the load right on me.
Stayed tuned.
Next week Part II
More of: The Weight
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