If storm conditions are forecasted, you should:

• A. Choose a favourable course to reduce the pounding effects of the waves
• B. Sail directly toward the storm to shorten travel time
• C. Increase speed to outrun the storm
• D. Keep course and ignore the forecast

Answer: (A)

When a storm is forecast, the important safety move is to adjust your course to minimize the impact of the seas. Choosing a favourable course lets you ride the waves more smoothly, reducing pounding on the hull and the risk of sudden, violent motions that can injure crew or damage gear. It also helps you maintain better control and stability as conditions worsen, rather than fighting steep, breaking waves head-on.

Heading directly toward the storm tends to slam the bow into heavy seas and can lead to loss of control or broaching. Trying to outrun the storm by increasing speed isn’t a reliable safety fix and can keep you exposed longer or put you in worse seas if the storm shifts or intensifies. Keeping your course and ignoring the forecast ignores critical information that could prevent dangerous situations.

So, adjusting to a favourable course to lessen wave pounding is the prudent choice when storm conditions are forecast.