Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Quiz · Heavy weather and stability
Which of these is a drogue, and what is it for?
Two side views of a yacht with no sail set in heavy weather, the wind and seas coming from the right in both. In picture A her bow faces the wind and a line from the bow leads to a large parachute-shaped device in the water ahead of her. In picture B her stern faces the wind and a long line from the stern trails a string of small cones in the water behind her.
Show the answer
B: towed from the stern to slow the yacht and keep her stern to the seas as she runs. A drogue is towed astern while running before a gale. It slows the yacht so she does not surf down the waves, and holds her stern to the seas so she is less likely to broach. The parachute sea anchor in picture A is set from the bow and holds the yacht almost stationary, head to the seas.
