DeckPrep

Preparing a yacht for heavy weather

The best heavy weather tactic is not to be caught out, and the second best is to be ready before it arrives. Almost everything here is easier to do in a force 4 than a force 8.

Decide early

  • Watch the forecast and the barometer. A steady fall, or a forecast of a gale “soon” or “imminent”, is the time to make a plan. See shipping forecast terms and depressions and fronts.
  • Harbour or sea room? Running for shelter is right if you can get in safely before it arrives. But an unfamiliar, shallow or exposed entrance in strong onshore wind and big seas can be more dangerous than staying at sea with plenty of room downwind.
  • Stay off a lee shore. Give yourself room so a wind shift, a gear failure or an engine stoppage doesn't put you on the rocks.

The boat

  • Reef early. If you're wondering whether to reef, it's time. Put in a deeper reef than you think you need, and prepare the storm sails while it's still easy to move around on deck.
  • Secure on deck: lash the dinghy, anchor and anything loose, and clear lines away so they can't go over the side and round the propeller.
  • Secure below: stow everything that could fly about, lock lockers and floorboards, and close hatches and unneeded seacocks.
  • Check the essentials: bilge pumps working, the engine ready to run, navigation lights working, and the navigation position up to date on paper as well as the plotter.

The crew

  • Brief them on the plan, what to expect and what each person will do.
  • Lifejackets and harnesses on, and clipped on to jacklines on deck. Clip on before you leave the companionway.
  • Rest: set up a watch system so people sleep. A tired crew makes mistakes.
  • Food and drink: prepare hot food and drinks, or fill flasks, before it gets rough.
  • Seasickness: give remedies early, before people feel ill, and watch anyone who is sick for cold and exhaustion.

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Questions

When should you reef?

Before you need to. The usual advice is that if you're wondering whether to reef, it's time, because reefing is much easier and safer before the wind builds than once it's blowing hard.

Is it safer to head for harbour in a gale?

Not always. Entering an unfamiliar or shallow harbour in strong onshore wind and big seas can be more dangerous than staying at sea with plenty of sea room. Decide early, while you still have a choice.

How do you prepare the crew for heavy weather?

Brief them on the plan, get lifejackets and harnesses on and clipped to jacklines, organise watches so people rest, prepare hot food and drinks in advance, and give seasickness remedies early.

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Last checked 5 November 2026. DeckPrep is an independent revision tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the RYA. Always check current requirements with the RYA.