Reeds

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Reeds Storm Handbook

How to survive rough weather

Author:	Martin Thomas
Published:	2026
Size:	160 × 100 mm

Pre-order now to secure your copy!

We expect this title will be available on:

September 10, 2026

£11⁹⁹

Tax included

Reeds Storm Handbook - Paperback / 1st edition (2026) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

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Pocket guide to surviving storms at sea

Covers boat and crew preparation, storm tactics from heaving-to to running before the wind, seeking refuge, and managing calamities including dismasting and man overboard.

The essential pocket guide to preparing for and coping with storms and heavy weather conditions at sea.

Sailing in high winds and large waves is a daunting prospect for almost all sailors. Preparation of boat and crew is the key to surviving a storm. This handy aid-memoire contains the essentials of how to prepare, what to expect and what to do if you encounter severe conditions at sea.

Highly experienced sailor and former Commodore of Ocean Cruising Club, Martin Thomas describes the best tactics and techniques to use as the storm escalates, from shortening sail to running before the storm, as well as how and when to seek refuge. Should the vessel suffer a calamity, for instance a dismasting, man overboard or sinking, this book informs the skipper and crew how to manage any crisis.

Each topic is broken down into digestible colour-coded sections and can be consulted in haste. There are succinct explanations and clear diagrams to help a crew survive if caught out in bad weather. This ideal quick-reference guide will boost your confidence and help you to be prepared.

About the Author

Martin Thomas is the former Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club, and is currently the Vice-Commodore of the Royal London Yacht Club. He was previously the Watch Officer on board the sail training schooner Sir Winston Churchill. A distinguished surgeon, he has written on topics of emergencies at sea and medical treatment for yachtsmen.

Introduction: preparation and anticipation
1 The Boat
- Choice of boat
  - Coastal voyages
  - Ocean passages
  - Shallow waters
  - High Latitudes
- Boat preparation
  - The vessel
  - Rigging and sails
  - Safety Equipment
  - Drogues
2 The Crew
- Choice of crew
- Food
- Warmth
- Watch system
- Crew quarters
3 The Voyage
- Plan
- Charts & navigation
- Weather & forecasting
- Communications
4 When rough weather approaches
- The boat
- The crew
5 Storm Tactics
- Apparent wind
- Wind and waves
- Lee shore
- Shortening sail
- Sailing off the wind
- Heaving-to
- Lying a' hull
- Running before the storm
- Sea anchors
- Drogues
- Chafe
6 Seeking Refuge
- Anchoring
- Mooring
- Lying alongside
- Entering harbour
7 Calamities at Sea
- Loss of steering
- Crew overboard
- Dismasting
- Fire
- Capsize
- Holed vessel
- Sinking vessel
- Calling for help
- Abandoning ship
Glossary
Index