Squalls are small, localized storms that occur in open water. They can have strong winds associated with them and if a sailor is caught unprepared, damage to the boat can occur, including a knockdown (where the winds knock the boat over on its side). The winds on the leading edge of the storm are higher than average and on the trailing edge are lower. Winds radiate out from the storm, so wind direction can change abruptly, as much as 180 degrees. This can play havoc with a sailboat.
Here is a typical squall, one that I saw today. Fortunately, I spotted it from a distance and purposely slowed the boat down to allow the squall to pass in front of me. Despite the fact that I was ten or miles away, the squall nonetheless impacted me. I saw a change in wind direction of 40 degrees and the wind speed was divided in half.
Here is a typical squall, one that I saw today. Fortunately, I spotted it from a distance and purposely slowed the boat down to allow the squall to pass in front of me. Despite the fact that I was ten or miles away, the squall nonetheless impacted me. I saw a change in wind direction of 40 degrees and the wind speed was divided in half.
It can be difficult to spot these storms at night, which is why I typically reduce sail at night, particularly if there has been squalls during the day. If you find yourself in the presence of squalls at night, radar can be very useful to “see” them, particularly if they are associated with heavy rain. Here is one I saw on radar last year that was in the vicinity of where I intended to anchor. You can see the location of my boat in front of the squall.
Sent from my iPhone