Based on sailflow, it’s obvious that smaller waves and longer duration is better. What would be your cut off to say that’s asking for trouble?
3ft/5s? 2ft/5s? 3ft/10s?Or whatever your limit is. I’m not exactly sure if I’m being to picky by trying to wait for rolling glass. Not sure if will ever be that good. I’m using Capers near shore for my readings on sailflow. Being a beginner to offshore, I just want to start heading out incrimentally. Say 5-7 miles a few times, then 8 - 10 etc etc. Boat size I assume would be a factor so if you could add that in, I’d appreciate it. Maybe I’m just trying to validate the " crazy angler" in my head saying it’s fine, just go.
You have to figure out what you’re comfortable with as well as the condition of your boat, gear and crew. although there are a lot of things to consider including wave and wind direction and overall wind speed. You might start your decision making with a 1:3 ratio of wave height to period. that means something like 2 ft at 6 seconds. 1:3 seems to be OK for most. Once you do that, track what you like and don’t like to handle (again, based on the conditions of boat and crew) and then start making informed decisions as to what makes sense for you. Make sure you also track wind and wave conditions as your additional “decision making data”. Wave height and period is not the “end all” but a start. I’ll bet there are some on this site that will agree with me and have had their &$$es kicked by 2-3’. "Sporty " conditions can easily make 2-3’ feel like 4-5’ Stay safe…it’s not worth hurting yourself, your crew, or breaking stuff on your boat just to say “you can handle it”.
“Ships and Sailors Rot in Port”- Admiral Nelson
What size boat do you have? Also, I always add 5 mph to the wind forecast and 1 foot to the wave forecast if it’s blowing from the NE.
Tico. The last thing I want is to push it. So the 1:3 ration helps to deciding weather or not I’m even going to attempt to head out. So far I’ve missed any 2/10 being they always seem to happen when I can’t go. I went out once about 6 miles from the harbor last year. Didn’t know about SF yet . We were just in the harbor and things looked pretty good so we tried it. Turned out to be a great day. This was on my last boat (22’ wa) I picked up another one 2 weeks ago geared more towards fishing. I fully respect the power of mother nature and this isn’t something I want to guess at. I would like to be more informed and prepared. Thanks for the suggestion. Your info is appreciated.
Occams. 25’ pursuit cc.
Think you could explain why you add when wind is coming from NE? What’s the signifigance? Thanks
NOAA always seems to underestimate it when it’s coming from the NE. Other times as well, but every time from the NE in my experience. 25’ pursuit is a big boat though. You’ll do fine.