Drogue

A drogue (also known as a storm drogue) is a device external to a boat, attached to the stern and used to slow the boat down in a storm and to keep the hull perpendicular to the waves. The boat will not speed excessively down the slope of a wave and crash into the next one nor will it broach. By slowing the vessel in heavy weather, the drogue can make it easier to control. A drogue is usually constructed to provide substantial resistance when dragged through the water, and is trailed behind the vessel on a long line. A properly functioning drogue should also prevent pitchpoling.