almost capsized!
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:33 am
Today I came as close as you can come to capsizing without actually doing so. I was sailing alone and a huge gust hit, and hit, and hit. The boat heeled, and heeled and heeled. I was very surprised at how fast it got to the tipping point. I dumped the main ASAP, was standing on the centerboard trunk for what seemed like forever, water was just coming over the side. Crazy! I was trying to figure out which way to steer to lessen the wind pressure - finally got it. I saved it just in time, headed into the wind then quickly pulled down the main. The wind remained really strong and I don't have reef points so I motored in. Right before all that happened I saw a guy capsize a Laser. "Not a big deal" I thought, since he was pushing it. Then I got the wind that had hit him.
So a few thoughts went through my mind afterwards:
Install cam cleats for jib and main halyards. It was pretty dicey trying to uncleat the halyards with one hand while using the other to keep the boat into the wind.
Install hiking straps. Might not have kept this from happening, but I would have been able to get more weight over the side to begin with.
Install reef points?
Gain weight or add ballast when I single-hand. I'm all of 145 and just about found out what I weigh soaking wet.
Glad I installed flotation in the tanks and under the gunwales!
Glad I installed the tiller extension.
Pay attention when boats around you capsize.
So a few thoughts went through my mind afterwards:
Install cam cleats for jib and main halyards. It was pretty dicey trying to uncleat the halyards with one hand while using the other to keep the boat into the wind.
Install hiking straps. Might not have kept this from happening, but I would have been able to get more weight over the side to begin with.
Install reef points?
Gain weight or add ballast when I single-hand. I'm all of 145 and just about found out what I weigh soaking wet.
Glad I installed flotation in the tanks and under the gunwales!
Glad I installed the tiller extension.
Pay attention when boats around you capsize.