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This paper documents the investigation of the use of
drogues to prevent small sailing yacht capsize in breaking seas. The
following conclusions were reached:
- In many and possibly most cases, a properly engineered drogue can
prevent breaking wave capsizing.
- For fin keel sailing yachts the drogue should be deployed from the
stern, not the bow.
- A series type drogue provides significant advantages over a cone or
parachute type drogue.
- A full-scale series drogue demonstrated satisfactory handling and
durability characteristics under simulated storm conditions and in
actual breaking wave conditions.
- A recommended design specification including design loads is
presented for cone, parachute and series type drogues.
There are no patents or proprietary information associated with the
series drogue. It is hoped that some sailors who venture offshore will
construct a series drogue using the recommendations contained in this
report. As experience and knowledge are gained, this device could become
part of the standard safety gear used on yachts. Preventing capsize, and
its subsequent damage to the boat and potential loss of life, will be the
ultimate benefit.
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