Tropical Cyclones Hurricane, typhoon, baguio, willy-willy, no matter what the local name, the tropical cyclone is the most fearsome of storms encountered at sea. Because of their fury, and the fact that they are predominantly oceanic, they merit the special attention of all mariners, whether professional or amateur. By definition a hurricane for example is a tropical cyclone with wind strength of 64 knots or higher. A few hurricanes have generated winds estimated as high as 200 knots. In the western north Pacific an average of five typhoons a year have maximum winds over 130 knots; circulations covering more than 600 miles in diameter are not uncommon. It is the waves however that present the greatest danger to boaters. Oceanographers report that pressures in excess of 2,000 pounds per square foot have been measured in breaking waves, whereas wind pressures rarely exceed twelve pounds per square foot. It is for this reason then that when seeking a hurricane hole (a safe harbor when hurricanes are about) one should seek a place protected from the large seas associated with those storms rather than a place merely offering protection from the wind. The Bar "... The barometer falls rapidly, the wind increases in gustiness, and its speed becomes greater, reaching perhaps 22 to 40 knots. On the horizon appears a dark wall, the bar of the storm. Portions of this heavy cloud become detached from time to time and drift across the sky, accompanied by rain squalls and wind of increasing speed. As the bar approaches, the barometer falls more rapidly and wind speed increases. The seas, which have been gradually mounting, become tempestuous. Squall lines, one after the other, sweep past in ever increasing number and intensity. With the arrival of the bar, the day becomes very dark, squalls become virtually continuous and the barometer falls precipitously, with a rapid increase in wind speed. The center may still be 100 to 200 miles away in a fully developed tropical cyclone. As the center of the storm comes closer, the ever-stronger wind shrieks through the rigging and about the superstructure of the vessel. As the center approaches, rain falls in torrents. The wind fury increases. The seas become mountainous. The tops of huge waves are blown off to mingle with the rain and fill the air with water. Objects at a short distance are not visible. Even the largest and most seaworthy vessels become virtually unmanageable, and may sustain heavy damage. Less sturdy vessels may not survive. Navigation virtually stops as the safety of the vessel becomes the prime consideration. The awesome fury of this condition can only be experienced. Words are inadequate to describe it." American Practical Navigator (Bowditch)