Weather, wind and waves
It was during the early 90’s that I first started to explore the limitations and capabilities of power craft, primarily within the surf zones of the North Cornish coast. I recognised early on that a good appreciation of weather, wind and waves was essential, but in truth never dedicated enough time to understanding the intricacies.
It was the need to routinely find the biggest and best waves in order to teach extreme weather handling to lifeboat crews that taught me to interpret these key elements to my benefit. Working with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the early days of the Advanced Powerboat Scheme showed me just how much I was using this every day and how much of a ‘weather watcher’ I had become.
It is this experience which, 20 years on, allows me to enjoy not getting so wet, battered and bruised, or thankfully, not having to file lengthy capsize reports!
Know your boat
Even with a good understanding of the external elements, you need to take time to get to know your RIB’s design. In general terms, it is unlikely that a RIB designed for top speed performance will have exceptional rough weather capability. At slower speeds they will tend to come out of the water up-sea, and with slimmer tubes in the bow area and therefore reduced buoyancy, they may be at an increased risk of burying the bow in steep waves down-sea.
Conversely, a boat with extremely good rough weather characteristics may not deliver the top speed adrenaline you seek. So think carefully about the sort of experience you want your RIB to provide you with, ideally before buying!
When and where to go
As a minimum, it’s important to be able to make an informed decision about when and where to go afloat in order to get the maximum enjoyment. And if we don’t know, then to question: ‘should we go at all?’
If it’s blowing 16+ knots with a 1m swell it’s probably not going to be an enjoyable family day out. Add an unfortunate change in tidal direction halfway through your passage and things are only going to get worse.
Where to start?
Undoubtedly modern technology is a massive help. The ability to draw on an array of weather apps, which can be moved forward and back in time, allows for a real-time understanding of how the sea state will alter in various areas.
In your local area you may already know how wind and waves interact with the seabed and land features to produce very different sea states within a relatively small area. Ask yourself what is causing the differences: depth, tidal direction (such as behind headlands), or speed (due to a reduction in depth of water or width through narrows), an alteration in the direction of the coastline and so on.
By understanding what is causing the conditions in an area you are familiar with, it will be easier to appreciate, by looking at the chart alone, what conditions you might anticipate in a range of weathers in an unfamiliar location.
Wave height
Wind strength and duration, the expanse of sea it has travelled across and its direction all directly contribute to wave height. If the tidal stream is running the opposite way this may be significantly increased – less on small range tides but more on larger ones. It’s not only important to look at the current ‘imminent’ forecast, but also to look backwards and forwards to establish the full picture.
There seems to be a human fascination with wave height. I’ve heard many a bar discussion about the size of waves people have been out in. I mention this because interestingly wave height isn’t, in isolation, necessarily the issue. The issue is breaking waves and the volume of water in the section that breaks. It is at this point that the energy shifts from travelling through the water, to the water actually moving and becoming a force which can overturn a RIB.
Before this point there is little risk, as long as the helmsman adjusts speed to prevent the boat from leaping out of the water - therefore avoiding crests is a good tactic.
Top takeaways
There are many aspects to successfully negotiating a rough weather passage, though most should take place before departure – maintenance, pre-departure checks, securing equipment, knowing your capabilities and of course the decision to go out on the water in the first place.
Here are some top tips for driving in waves should you need to:
- Up sea – reduce speed and keep the boat in the water, trim in (bow down) and face any breaking waves square on the bow. You do not need speed to transit a breaking wave, but you do need some power. Reduce speed as you approach, then apply power as you enter the crest and reduce it again once about 30% of the hull is through the wave.
- Down sea – trim out slightly (bow up) running down-sea. It is dangerous to overtake steep swells due to the risk of burying the bow, proceed gradually and ensure the bow is fully supported by the water before moving down the wave. Do not overtake steep or breaking waves. If in doubt, stay behind the swell until it dissipates, then proceed to the next.
- Across sea – wavelength needs to be at least 2-3 boat lengths to allow enough space to turn towards or away from a steep or breaking wave, though with caution good progress can be made. Use alterations of speed and course to avoid breakers and avoid running across the sea if waves are starting to break heavily. Look for areas of flatter water, which could be closer to a weather shore, less tide or deeper water depending on location.
Finally, remember RIBS will go through moderate waves, in a little over ‘tick over’ ahead and run down sea safely if trimmed properly and travelling at a speed that matches the waves. It is the people that decided to go too fast, sit beam on and launch despite the weather forecast who will find themselves in difficulty.
Get trained
The RYA Powerboat scheme is designed to take you from basic boat handling, right through to carrying out more challenging coastal and night passages. You’ll also cover essential safety and theory knowledge along the way.
Whatever your experience there will be a course for you. Find out more - www.rya.org.uk/training/powerboat.
Recommended reading
For supporting information, make sure to check out the RYA Powerboat Handbook (G13) and RYA Advanced Powerboat Handbook (G108). Written by RYA Powerboat Trainer, Paul Glatzel, the publications are packed with information to help you acquire the knowledge and confidence to make the most of your time on the water. Find out more - www.rya.org.uk/shop.