Despite my better judgment, I was coerced into delivering a 40’ cruising sloop up the coast from Oceanside to Moss Landing in early December, a distance of 350 nautical miles. While December weather can be relatively flat and beautiful, it can also deliver mid-latitude low after mid-latitude low for weeks and virtually eliminate any chance of making a safe or comfortable passage.

Knowing what weather is coming is as important to sailors as how to raise a sail, steer the boat, or how to tack.

Frequently we move some of our safety thinking to the back when on a charter vacation.  Life is good, we are laid back, so we are not thinking of safety.  But squalls happen, so here are some thoughts about COB recovery.

Prevention:

Despite my better judgment, I was coerced into delivering a 40’ cruising sloop up the coast from Oceanside to Moss Landing in early December, a distance of 350 nautical miles. While December weather can be relatively flat and beautiful, it can also deliver mid-latitude low after mid-latitude low for weeks and virtually eliminate any chance of making a safe or comfortable passage.