Heavy Weather Sailing with RYA Instructor Sticky Stapylton
If you have ever sailed in rough weather then you’ll know that it’s an exhilarating and addictive experience. After I sailed in a force 8 Gale last autumn I started looking around for advice to see if anyone could tell me if I was missing anything. That was when I came across Sticky who is an RYA instructor with over 13 years teaching experience and many more years sailing experience.
He’s worked on boat deliveries, instructing one-on-one as well as helping prepare owners boats for long passages. In the interview we touch on boats and what designs are best, stabilisation techniques as well as some finer points that I would have never of thought of.
Also this is my first interview for Saild, if you have any feedback please do get in touch.
Full Interview
Prefer audio? “Right Click” here for the MP3
Stickys Checklist
Here is an essential checklist which Sticky put together which covers off some of the main things that you should check before sailing in rough weather. It’s worth noting that as Sticky says if you are in any doubt as to you, your crews or your boats ability to cope with the conditions you should not set sea. If you want to learn more about it why not contact Sticky directly through his website.
Preparation for sailing in heavy weather checklist (PDF)
About Sticky Stapylton
Sticky has been sailing for many many years, first starting when he was 16 in the Army where he got his instructors certificate. He built a dinghy in his dining room so that he could spend more time with his daughters and then eventually upgraded to a Rival 34. Since leaving the Army he instructs, running one-on-one courses, heavy weather training and the usual run of RYA courses.
