Madness Offshore Tactics

here is the game plan for dealing with deteriorating conditions

1) all sails up
2) Reef main
secure items below police boat for safety (behind setees, etc.)
run jack lines
wear life vests
3) Double reef main, (if we buy inner forestay, hank on storm sail)
Forward companionway latched
dog hatches as necessary
hatchboards in
plastic sheets over rear bunk? Cover over electronics below?
4) double reef mizzen, or stow if conditions are likely to worsen

5) partially furl jib
dog hatches and floorboards, locate emergency repair kit, rigging cutters, etc.
confirm readiness of life raft, man overboard gear
use ssb to make sure that someone knows where we are and what we are facing

If we buy an inner forestay and hanks for storm jib:
5a) furl jib, raise storm jib

6) Heave to
7) Deploy drogue off bow bridle with bitter end run to stern (bow to seas)
furl mizzen first, drop main after?
8) Release bridle, run stern to seas
9) Release drogue, run free before wind
increase frequency of radio contacts if possible
10) Pray like never before


When do we put dodger down, how do we secure?
lee cloths?

When do we shut down the propane?

Shut down water? (I don't think so)

top off batteries to prep for long haul?

Prep food for long haul while you still can? put provisions in cockpit for on duty? Get out survival blankets to prevent hypothermia?