Observation of Effects of a Large Wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation and interpretation of the effects of a large wave, specifically a rogue wave, on a sailing vessel. Participants explore the implications of the physical damage reported, including the bending of a steel gaff and the loss of radar equipment, as well as the potential height and characteristics of the wave involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a personal experience aboard a schooner, detailing the damage caused by a rogue wave, including the bending of a steel gaff and the loss of radar equipment positioned 44 feet above the waterline.
  • Another participant questions how to interpret the reported data, suggesting that the wave might have been over 44 feet high or that the ship could have been listing, allowing a smaller wave to cause the damage.
  • A different participant humorously speculates on the possibility that the ship's radar was replaced under insurance claims related to "rogue waves" rather than other causes.
  • One participant provides a link to additional information about rogue waves, indicating a broader interest in the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the data regarding the rogue wave's height or the circumstances of the damage. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature and implications of the wave's effects.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the conditions of the ship and the wave, as well as the reliability of anecdotal evidence. The exact height of the wave and the ship's orientation at the time of the incident remain unresolved.

ImaLooser
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"Many years ago I spent a few weeks on the gaff-rigged topsail schooner Tradewind. I noticed one of the gaffs had a distinct bow in it and asked the skipper about it. He said they were hit broadside on by a rogue wave in sub-Antarctic waters south of New Zealand. The steel gaff had been bent by the force of the water. He pointed to the radar, mounted high on the foremast. It had been swept away by the wave, he said. And the radar was 44 feet above the waterline. He also mentioned the wave had enough force to buckle the steel plates of the deckhouse. It was quarter inch steel plate, he said, on 18 inch frames. And the pressure had been enough to dent the plates inwards between the frames. I had a look at the deckhouse and you could certainly see that the plates were buckled inwards.
 
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Cool. And?
 
Simon Bridge said:
Cool. And?

It's, like, you know, data.
 
"He pointed to the radar, mounted high on the foremast. It had been swept away by the wave, he said. And the radar was 44 feet above the waterline."

OK, ImaLooser, you have given us some "data". Thank you. How are we to interpret the above data? Shall we think the "rogue wave" was over 44 feet in height? Or, could the ship have been listing hard over to one side and a wave of much less height tore off the radar set? Just curious.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Maybe the ship needed a new radar and insurance would cover "rogue wave" and not "man with hammer"?
 
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