Yes, there is conflicting advice. For example, Hinz in his book titled
Sea-Anchors and Drogues defines drogues as STERN deployed devices and
sea anchors are PARACHUTE devices deployed from the BOW. Even the
people who manufacture Para-Anchor sea anchors refer to their product
as a bow deployed parachute device.

BUT, in Pardey's book titled, Storm Tactics Handbook, fifth printing
2002, page 15 he states, "Further more, the use of large drogues such
as par-anchors is undergoing an evolution.... And later mentions,
"... heaving-to and parachute drogue usage...." Pardey clearly
believes that a DROGUE is a PARACHUTE deployed from the bow. Apparently
one of the few who do.

Two authorities that can't agree on a simple definition for "sea
anchor. " Very confusing for use who are trying to be safer and more
skilled. Who should we believe?

Interestingly, Hinz describes Pardey's heaving-to bow deployed
strategy. Yet, the opposite is not true. Look as closely as you want
but you'll not find a mention of Hinz in Pardey's book. I wonder
why? Maybe not enough room in his book after Larry Pardey included that
revealing full body picture of himself sporting only a jockstrap and
his sagging ball sack. Now that was a waste of good paper.

Another clue about Larry Pardey's maritime philosophy was a reveling
comment by his wife Lin Pardey. On page 79 she mentioned that his old
school approach does not allow him to consider a scientific approach to
problem solving. For example, Pardey's view of tank testing models.
She says, "Larry who readily admits to being anachronistic, ...feels
tank testing, in itself, proves little. It's too controlled...."
And believes that the only true test of equipment and tactics is by
sailors who use them. In other words, "darn, that did not work. Next
victim......err... uh, I mean next subject please." I'd hate to
have Pardey in charge of the space shuttle program. It would be a
flaming blood bath.

So what is the best way to handle heavy weather? I would start with the
Hinz' books published by Cornel Maritime Press. Later after you learn
a little, look at Pardey's book they had to "self publish."
Pardey takes a whole book to simply say heave-to using a parachute off
the bow. Actually, after reading the Hinz book the only thing needed to
understand Pardey's tactic would be a simple diagram and 50 a word
description. But hey, gotta Pardey credit for trying to make a living.
Anything that keeps people sailing is okay in my book.

One thing I do advise strongly.......... Just don't go out and buy
some gizmo and think it will make you safer. Be a critical consumer of
advice and then practice-practice-practice.

Yea, I know that Pardey has 40 years experience sailing. But maybe
he's only been doing the stuff he learned in his first year 40 times.

What do I do? I use the right tool for the intended job. No single
strategy will work for all conditions.

Bob