Next Race:

June 19, 2026
00
days
00
hours
00
minutes
00
seconds

Emergency Steering with a Drogue: A New Approach

April 11, 2014

By John Rousmaniere


[instagram feed="46731"]

Steering a boat that's lost her rudder is one of the most daunting problems a crew must anticipate and prepare to manage.  

The tests were done with a Swan 44 whose rudder had been removed
Drogue steering under power and sail was tested and videotaped on this rudderless Swan 44.

The Newport Bermuda Race Safety Requirement is:  “4.1 Steering in an Emergency: A yacht's crew shall be aware of multiple methods of steering the yacht with the rudder disabled, and shall have chosen and practiced one method and be prepared to demonstrate it while sailing both upwind and downwind.”

One method is dragging a drogue astern.  A new technique has been developed by Michael Keyworth, an experienced offshore sailor, a Newport Bermuda Race inspector, and a presenter at safety seminars.

His video, below, How to Steer with a Drogue: Don’t  Lose Your Boat When You Lose Your Rudder demonstrates emergency steering under power and sail using a Galerider.  Adam Loory produced the video.              

For additional information, see FAQ 4.1, Steering in an Emergency, http://bermudarace.com/entry/faq/

Latest Bermuda Race News


August 6, 2025

2026 Bermuda Race Filling In With Exciting Entrants

The Newport Bermuda Race is considered one of the premier offshore challenges, renowned for its demanding 636-mile course through the complex Gulf Stream and its warm, welcoming finish in Bermuda. […]

June 19, 2025

Entry Opens June 20 for the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race

Iconic Offshore Race to Celebrate 120 Years and 100 Years of Historic Partnership

May 28, 2025

Fleet Surgeon’s Memorandum for Offshore Passages 

By CCA Fleet Surgeon, Jeffrey S. Wisch, M.D.* Updated 2025 *This memorandum is informational only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice  Medical skills, first […]



Safe Harbor Marinas logo
SUPPORTERS

Interested in becoming a 2026 Sponsor?, Contact [email protected]
or check out our Sponsorship Guide