Concept
Hathaway,
Reiser and Raymond has applied modern fluid dynamics to the ancient
art of sea anchors. Galerider's parabolic drogue design
and web construction work on the flow of water rather than simply
blocking it. It allows tremendous energy dissipation without creating
a shock load during sudden acceleration. These loads have been known
to rupture the conventional sea anchor as well as strip attachment
hardware from the deck. Deployed over the stern, Galerider's
concept is in accord with the recommended techniques of experienced
heavy weather sailors.
Positive
Boat Control
Galerider's
"flow" concept through its apertures allows the necessary two
or three knots for good steerage control. On the face of the wave
it provides elastic but high resistance to eliminate surfing and
any tendency to pitchpole. In the trough it provides low resistance,
permitting continued steering control. At the same time, Galerider
allows the helmsman considerable latitude in setting and maintaining
a downwind course of his choosing. This could be of extreme importance,
depending on the proximity of land which may represent either
hazard or refuge.
Following
a recent Gulf Stream crossing, Frank Snyder, eminent yachtsman
and active offshore sailor, reported:
| |
"We
deployed Galerider while running under bare poles
in Force 10 conditions, surfing at 10 to 12 knots. There was
no shock at all when the slack was taken up. In a couple of
minutes our forward speed was a steady three knots. The act
of slowing the boat down in that big seaway was magical. Even
though the motion wasn't all that comfortable with cross seas
rolling us, the boat was safe: We were fortunate Galerider
was aboard." |
Easy
Launch, Easy Retrieval, No Trip Lines
Retrieval
requires no special trip lines. Simply pull Galerider
back aboard when conditions have calmed enough - at very low speeds
Galerider offers very low resistance.
Rugged
Construction, but Easy and Compact to Stow.
With a breaking strength above 7500 pounds, Galerider
has ten times the load carrying power required for the most severe
conditions. It is constructed of rugged 2" webbing with specially
sewn intersections, mounted on a 3/8" stainless steel rim, all
capped by a heavy-duty stainless swivel for attachment. Galerider's
design also significantly reduces gear chafe.
Galerider
is stowed by simply twisting the outer ring into a figure eight
and folding it over itself. It then slips into a small, flat bag
2' x 2' x 4". Stowed with the swivel in an exposed, ready to attach
position, the Galerider is ready for immediate deployment
whenever needed.
Man
Overboard Retrieval
Although
specifically designed for use as a drogue for storm survival,
the extreme stability of Galerider's basket together
with its large volume suggests its use for lifting a person aboard
in extreme circumstances. Using the boom as a hauling yard, Galerider
will easily support two persons.
Galerider
comes in 4 sizes for boats of the following displacements.
Click Here to find
the size you need.
|
