Hey Dean,
Here is a link I though my might find interesting.
http://www.seaanchor.com/deltadrogue.htm
"Drogue or Sea Anchor?
The proper use of a Sea Anchor
off the bow should not be confused with the proper use of
a Drogue off the stern. The dichotomy between the two concepts
along with documented case histories has been combined into
a publication entitled the Drag Device Data Base (available
from PARA-TECH). Sailors planning extensive offshore
passages should obtain a copy with a view towards more in
depth study of the different applications of both devices.
|
| |
|
| |
Speed Limiting Drogue
A speed-limiting Drogue is towed off the stern. It's purpose
is to (a) limit the boat's speed, (b) reduce her angle of
yaw and (c) to provide for steering assist in strong following
seas. You can, and may have to, steer the boat with the Drogue
in tow. There is a "Catch 22" with any speed limiting
Drogue: The same low pull that allows for steering control
may also allow the boat to broach, capsize and/or pitchpole
in the heaviest seas. The forces that pitchpole yachts are
formidable enough to yank the Drogue through the water in
the course of throwing the boat end-over-end. Sailors should
be aware of this "Catch 22" and make allowances
for it in the course of their decisions at sea.
WARNING: In all likelihood the insufficient drag of
a speed-limiting Drogue will not prevent pitchpole in the
heaviest storms, especially those packing ESW's (Extreme Storm
Waves), rogues and "Three Sisters" type developments.
|
| |
|
| |
Four Uses For Drogues
- The above notwithstanding, speed-limiting Drogues can
be of immense value in strong following seas and have been
used to stabilize craft since antiquity. No doubt there
are many yachts sailing today that would have gone down
had it not been for the grace of God and some sort of device
that slowed the boat down.
- Towed off the stern with a bridle a speed-limiting Drogue
can be used as an emergency steering device to yaw the boat
if steering fails.
- Towed off the windward quarter a speed-limiting Drogue
can help maintain directional stability while negotiating
a dangerous harbor entrance.
- Towed off the stern of a vessel in tow a Drogue can all
but eliminate the "whiplash" effect and contribute
to better control by the towing vessel."
|
Your resident possibility thinker ;)'
Regards,
Szybowski
|