Drogue

A drag device streamed from a vessel to reduce speed through the water or influence its orientation.

Drogues include cones, fabric devices and series drogues and are commonly deployed from the stern to control speed in following seas, reduce the tendency to surf or broach, or slow drift during fishing or recovery work. Their behaviour depends on design, rode length, attachment points and vessel type.

A drogue is related to but distinct from a sea anchor, which is commonly deployed from the bow and intended to hold the vessel more nearly head-to-weather. Loads can be extremely high, so the equipment, bridles, chafe protection, strong points and recovery method must be designed as a complete system.