Being caught out in a gale is every sailor's nightmare. Doubts and fears are hard to banish as the boat is battered by wind and waves. Will the helmsman cope with the huge waves piling up behind? Can the rigging take the strain? Is there still plenty of room to leeward? Should you weather the storm or run for shelter? To cope with extreme weather conditions sailors need to be able to recognize well in advance the approach of a deep low-pressure system, to prepare for safe navigation during the passage of a storm, and then be able to handle the boat safely while the storm rages. This book, packed with practical advice and information, will help readers cope with all these aspects.