About 30 years ago I began following a number of circumnaviagators and passagemakers in heavy weather. Probably the Series Drogues are the best device in heavy weather. I don't know what type of weather that John Harris has been in, but I had to consider on several occasions if I wanted to attempt to be bow to heavy seas (40 feet plus) or stern too and with way on and the ability to maneuver. I choose the latter. The series drogue gives you that option with the ability to slow the boat and avoid rolls and pitchpoles. >From the people I followed, sea anchors did not work perticulaly well in extreme circumstances. Stern drogues and better yet series drogues served them much better. The major riskes are capsize and pitchpoling. The damage from pitchpoling seems to be more severe. There is no question in my mind that a boat must have a very strong stern--and very adequate protection from the stern. It is very difficult, if not impossiable for any small craft to make way to weather in severe conditions. Happy New Year to all. Bob Austin