Squalls at Sea

This is the time of year when blue water sailors are on the move. Some are sailing north from the Caribbean and Mexico. Some are racing to Bermuda or Hawaii. Some are heading across the Atlantic. And, some are wrapping up the Pacific Puddle Jump to French Polynesia. In all cases, the one thing all these passagemakers have in common is the chance of meeting squalls while at sea, particularly those who are sailing through the convergence zones north and south of the equator and those in the tropics. One of the main jobs for the on watch crew at sea is to keep a weather eye out for approaching squalls and then to decide whether to alter course to avoid one or to be ready to tie in reefs or even dowse sail if the wind really picks up. Radar is invaluable for watching, tracking and avoiding squalls at night when otherwise all you’d see is lightning and the billows of storm clouds. Squalls have a way of mutating and can suddenly divide in two or intensify dramatically or even dissipate before your eyes. But, squalls are not to be taken lightly since they can pack a real wallop with enough wind to tear sails or even cause a knock down. Radar will give you a pretty good idea of the intensity of a squall and its size so you can decide if sailing around it or slowing down to let it pass is practical. But you also have to use your five senses to estimate the severity of the squall by watching the wind direction, the arrival of rain and sudden gusts before the squall is on you. A good guide to a squall’s force is in the old sailor’s adage: “With the rain before the wind, stays and topsails you must mind. But with the wind before the rain, your topsails you may set again.” Also, if you can’t see under the squall, it’s time to get out the foul weather gear. Avoid squalls if you can and be ready to ride them out when you can’t. Be safe out there.