This book is designed to provide the authors' findings and opinions based on research and analysis of the subject matter covered. This information is intended to serve as but one aid to seamanship, among a host of other aids. This information is not provided for purposes of rendering specific advice regarding a tactic of choice for use by a specific vessel in a specific sea state.

Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. However, there may be errors both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide, and not as the ultimate source of heavy weather tactics information. Furthermore, this publication contains information on drag devices only up to the printing date.

The individual reader should therefore take care to determine prior to use that a particular tactic is suitable, adequate or safe for his or her particular vessel in any specified sea state. Since individual use cases are subject to great variation, the author and Para-Anchors International shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any injury, loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book. If you do not wish to be bound by the above terms and conditions, you may return this book to the publisher for a full refund.

There is nothing about the sea that can be taken for granted. Before venturing offshore in small craft the reader should reflect on the words of the last paragraph of the official RORC inquiry into the events of Fastnet '79: "In the 1979 race the sea showed that it can be a deadly enemy and that those who go to sea for pleasure must do so in the full knowledge that they may encounter dangers of the highest order."