Scudding

[wolfinthewood]

In memory of the Cutty Sark, last of the tea-clippers, launched in 1869, largely destroyed by fire in 2007.

Running in heavy weather, or scudding

When running a good helmsman is of the utmost importance. Careless or indifferent steering may result in broaching to, which would probably be disastrous. To assist the steering the foresail should be kept set if possible. The mizentopsail is best furled.

Long narrow vessels are usually very ‘wet’ when running if fully loaded, as when the crest of the wave reaches the waist of the ship, the bow and stern being partly unsupported, she sinks deeply into the wave and the water pours aboard from both sides, flooding the decks. The water on the deck helps to submerge the vessel still deeper, and one or two heavy seas in succession may fill her level with the rail. This adds enormously to the weight of the ship, and renders her liable to be pooped should a heavy sea overtake her at this time. Oil on the water, though not so beneficial as when hove to, is still advantageous, and should be used from a point as far forward as possible.

from Nicholls’s Seamanship, 1924 edition


tag: sea travel

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