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Here are two views of running off on opposite jibes in the same
wave system. These are post-frontal waves, so there is a substantial
cross sea. Wind strength is in the 60- to 75-knot range. The same
rules apply here as when beating and heaving to. You need to pick
the tack which puts you at the best angle to the most dangerous
waves. Running off like this you want your stern to the worst waves
and the other wave systems to leeward.
In the top image the boat is on starboard jibe, which means they
must head up to avoid the breaking crest to the right. They will
not have time to head off as too much change in course is required
to get the wave onto the stern. The odds are that heading off would
allow the wave to catch them on the quarter. The best course here
would be to quickly luff to windward and try to take the crest on
the bow quarter.
In the bottom image, the boat is on port jibe. There is more flexibility
with this tack so that the breaking sea in the upper left can be
taken on the stern by heading up, just a hair. The next issue will
be the wave in the foreground, to the right. If this begins to break,
the boat will have to bear off quickly downwind or luff up. However,
this is a secondary sea. The other series crossing from the southwest
are far more dangerous at this point in the storm.
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