"Bob" wrote in message
oups.com...
Most humbly agree.

Okay, so what is a progressively measured response to progressively
deteriorating weather.

Step 1: Do as you said. Plan and avoid like the plague.
Step 2: ??
Step 3: ??

Right on about the "Galerider." Got one. Works great for what it was
designed to accomplish. This discussion got my interest up again so I
thumbed through my Nights Modern Seamanship 1943 edition. There is a
stern deployed drogue in the book that looks strikingly similar to the
Galerider design. I guess if it works it works. Why reinvent the wheel.
The book also has a great discussion that echoes your comments.

Interesting that Pardey is adamant about NOT running with the sea while
towing a "Galerider" type drogue. Pardey says its not a good idea
because you might run into something; like a continent. So he simply
dismisses the whole idea of running free or running with a drogue. Go
figure. I have used it with great success. Never used it to cross a bar
though. Always followed your advice.. avoid such situations like the
plague. Better hang out a day or so till conditions improve.
Bob

You may be interested in the December issue of Cruising World. There is a
pretty good article by Beth Leonard / Evans Starzinger on their use of the
Gailrider drogue. They use it to keep boat speed in the 5-7 knot range and
to keep the stern of the boat directly into oncoming waves. They use twice
the length of rode recommended by Gailrider and use a bridle to position the
drogue in the center. Some good information on other aspects of drogue use.