A drogue is a nautical device, often shaped like a parachute or cone, trailed behind a boat on a long line from the stern during heavy weather. It acts as a sea anchor to significantly reduce the vessel's speed, prevent broaching (turning sideways to waves), improve steering control, and minimize the risk of pitchpoling.

Key Aspects of a Drogue:
Purpose: Primarily used to slow a vessel down in a storm and keep the stern or bow perpendicular to waves, enhancing safety.

Deployment: Streamed from the stern (back) of the boat, unlike a traditional sea anchor which is often deployed from the bow.

Mechanism: It creates high drag in the water, preventing the boat from surfing too fast down wave slopes and crashing into the next wave.

Structure: Often resembles a small parachute, conical bag, or a series of plates/cones designed to create drag.

Distinction: Unlike an anchor that secures to the seabed, a drogue is a "drag device" used in open or deep water.