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Daria - Thanks for posting this article. A key statement in the article pertains to the purpose of the drogue deployed, speed-limiting like the Gale Rider or medium-pull like the JSD - two different purposes. We have an Outbound 46. She can surf and we have seen speeds of 10+ knots for short periods. We carry a Gale Rider but have never had to deploy it an anger. Ideally we would have the space to carry both the Gale Rider and a JSD but as live aboards, space is super premium so the decision was made to carry the Gale Rider. Having listened in on the JSD webinar, I now question if we should swap out the Gale Rider for a JSD. We're still mulling that one over. Needless to say, prudent seamanship calls for a well thought out strategy and the tools to implement the heavy weather tactics called for in a given situation.
Hi Tom and all,
I agree that the JSD and the Gale Rider are 2 different beasts.
Since starting ocean passages 20+ years ago, I have carried a GR fit for size of my 40-foot boat. It is small and light. Any weight involved is in the rode and chain and are gear I would be carrying anyway for back-up as ground tackle. In that way the GR did not take up any real space nor did it add weight. (With luck and skill, the GR might serve as the best piece of gear to carry if your steering is lost.)
The JSD, when I carried it, was a good deal of additional weight for I carried it on deck ready-to-go where it was continually wet (HM lines will not hold water the way mine did and should be a consideration if buying new). Even dry, it was not easy to move around, let alone find room for on our 40-foot boat and we were live-aboard also. I would think on your 46-foot boat, it would be easier to find room, but that the JSD would be that much bulkier and heavier.
I will be interested in others opinion on this, but my expectation (luckily no experience) was that, after a successful deployment of the JSD (something I did not take for granted) and settled the steering, that we could basically take it easy: kind-of like hove-to.
In contrast, my expectation for the GR was that, after successful deployment, there would need to be active crew involvement when running off in storms of JSD/GR magnitude. (I am assuming a strategy of initially heaving-to until such time as the breaking waves and/or comfort level suggested/demanded running off under a drogue.) This active involvement would be at the helm and would demand skill, anticipation and occasional quick reactions. And stamina, as the storm may go on for many hours or even days.
Clearly the JSD would better keep the stern meeting the waves and make broaches less likely (or not at all likely). With the GR there would need to be active involvement from the crew. I am suspecting that a windvane and or autopilot might not be sufficient for safety with a GR.
I mention this as many boats might not have crew members up to this task. It will be hard work and will benefit from much previous experience on the helm in various conditions, some lousy. And the boat will need 2 crew members with this skill as, to stay sharp, being on the helm will need to be relieved regularly: probably an hour or less as time goes on. This may be more of an issue for those sailing as a couple where the less experienced crew might be more of a danger on the helm than an autopilot or vane.
In that case, consideration might push a boat to opt for a JSD for it “hands off” properties.
Random thoughts, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy