Stability of liferafts and small vessels in wind and waves

Model 10-man liferafts of 1:7 scale have been studied in combined wind and breaking waves. The results show how the major cause of overturning, aerodynamic lift occurring during the passage of a wave crest beneath the raft, is affected by the stability devices and the disposition of the crew. Tests are currently under way on small trawler models in combined wind and waves.