Over the last 4 years of cruising we have done a number of long offshore passages. In terms of comfort they have ranged from great (Tom’s rating) to miserable (Tom and Kim’s rating). After our last trip from New Zealand to Fiji (one that would rate in the miserable category), I spent some time thinking about what influences the comfort rating of a passage. (Actually most of this thinking was done on the way to Fiji).

There is a saying in sailing that “Gentlemen don’t sail to windward”. This is in essence the determining factor in comfort on a voyage. If the wind is behind the beam or coming from behind you the passage is generally great or towards that end of the rating. However if the wind is in front of the beam things often do not go so well. On our last trip the wind was forward of the beam the whole trip.

Another factor is swell or the more constant large waves that occur in the open ocean. Waves (swell) over 2 meters begins to be a little unpleasant (a term Tom uses with Kim maybe too often!). A 3-4 meter swell, as we had on our last crossing, goes from unpleasant to bloody uncomfortable. This is again related to the direction the waves are coming from. If they are behind the beam comfort returns. In front of the beam means pounding into the waves and having them crash down on the boat and occasionally right over the boat (again seen on our last trip).

Lastly the wind speed plays an large role. Up to 15 knots (read MPH) everything is usually fine. 15-20 knots upwind is a chore although down wind is not bad. And over 20 knots upwind falls again into that miserable category.

Obviously all these factors intertwine as high winds usually lead to larger swell, and wind and swell usually come from the same direction. So generally where you want to go (your course relative to the wind and waves) has a lot to do with your comfort.

So why would both Kim and Tom classify our last crossing as miserable? Wind on or forward of the beam, swell up to 4 meters on or forward of the beam, and winds of 20-25 knots with gusts to mid 30s. Need I say more.

Turning 30 degrees downwind changes everything. The boat flattens out, the pounding stops and the apparent wind (what you feel on the boat) also drops. Life becomes comfortable again. We use this technique when preparing meals or doing other tasks that require a more stable boat. However, using this technique does not take you to your destination.

So again I get back to the adage “Gentlemen don’t sail to windward”. Unfortunately, this is not always possible but we always do our best to sail with the wind at our back, a much easier task when heading West than it was on the trip North from New Zealand. What a difference the way (course) makes.