[jefftk]

Isn't that a specific kind of sea anchor?

[gtowey]

Sea anchors are deployed from the bow of the boat and meant to hold it more or less facing into the waves.

Drouges are deployed from the stern and meant to slow the boat down as it travels with the waves.

[gabereiser]

but still pointing it's bow towards the waves. Both are designed to prevent rogue broadsides flipping your vessel. Drouges are preferred now because it's easier to deploy and recover from the cockpit. I have a Catalina 36. I also have a drouge on board.