On Sun, 01 Apr 2007 08:34:05 -0700, Stephen Trapani
wrote:


I think this is a bit deceptive. "Waves" are almost never encountered in
the open ocean except in shallows. "Swells" are what the sea is filled
with and other than comfort, there is no minimum size of boat making
swells safer. It's the construction and design of the boat that matters,
not size.

Stephen

Sorry Stephen, I must disagree. The bumpy surface of the sea at sea is
a combination of waves caused by the ciurrent wind may continue after
wind has ceased and swell which is evidence of waves and weather from
a distance.

In shallows waves increase in height until they break. That is why
coming into shallows such an anchorage or harbour (especially against
the tide) can be dangerous or uncomfortable.

Agreed that it is the construction and design of the boat that matters
but a not to be discounted factor is the seamanship of the crew. Often
in sailing a course with high seas running and some breaking behind
one, it is better to bear off so that the waves hit on the quarter.
Any breaking surge rolls under the boat - you might surf a bit but if
your sails are more forward, you will not be pushed around to beam on
and a broach. For my boat in conditions where the wind is up and the
seas are building, I drop the main altogether and use the genoa. You
may have to tack either side of the course but there will be little
danger of broaching anmd being rolled. I say "little" because it is
the three big ones in a row that are the problem. The first one pushes
your stern about and you may lose a bit of forward momentum. That's
when it is possible for its friend to throw you around some more.

Size of the boat is not as important as seamanship (obtained by making
mistakes and experience), design and strength of construction in that
order I believe.

I'm not an expert on sailing but this is my experience.
cheers
Peter