Sea anchors and drogues serve different functions in bad conditions. A vast number of factors can influence your choice in any given situation, but the bottom line is that a drogue is most useful in allowing you to travel with the wind. It slows you down to prevent excessive speed and pitchpoling on wave faces, while maintaining effective steering control. If your destination is downwind, a drogue might be just the thing. A sea anchor, in contrast, is designed to minimize downwind movement by holding your bow in the general direction of the wind. If sailing is impossible and there is any risk of a lee shore, a sea anchor could save your boat. Clearly it’s a good idea to have both on board.
