Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Quiz · Heavy weather and stability
A gale is forecast to blow straight on to this coast, and there is no harbour you can reach before it arrives. What is the seamanlike choice?
A chart of a rocky coast along the top of the picture, labelled rocky coast, no harbour within reach. Three large arrows labelled gale point from the open sea at the bottom straight on to the coast. A yacht is in the water between them and the shore.
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Head offshore early and gain sea room, well clear of the coast. A coast with the wind blowing on to it is a lee shore, the most dangerous place for a yacht in heavy weather: there is no shelter, the seas steepen as the water shoals, and any gear failure puts her ashore. Get well out to sea while you still can, so that you have room to heave to, run off or drift.
