The following URLs cover Capsize, Recovery, Turtling & masthead floatation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou3eYAd7JlA&frags=pl%2Cwn This is a good overview that deals with a variety of situations including 2-handed turtle and capsize with spinnaker. The demo boat is an RS Bahia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vesaHU8JT8&frags=pl%2Cwn This video illustrates a “dry capsize & recovery with a “scoop.” The demo boat is significant. It looks like an RS model with the RS supplied masthead float. I’ve experienced this float’s effectiveness as recently as a month ago. It’s particularly beneficial in shallow waters when capsizing can lead to jamming your mast in the mud, a situation that could require additional help.
http://www.rssailingstore.com/Catalogue/RS-Parts/Boat-Sales/RS-Quest/QUE18/RS-Quest-CAT16-RS-Venture-Masthead-Float-Kit-RSM-BP-909 This URL is for the RS Sailing Store’s entry for the Masthead Float Kit shown in the previous video. Though not an RS groupie (not a fan of rotomoulding) I’ve yet to see a masthead float that’s as well constructed and effective. It’s also size appropriate for a DaySailer and could be removed (not easily) for races. This kit is $236.35 and may be out of stock, you can request notification when it's back in stock.
https://www.cal-sailing.org/blogfrontpage/recent-blog-posts/entry/dry-capsize-on-a-quest This is a blog from the Cal Sailing Club’s (CSC) head instructor. It addresses the considerations of dry capsizes. It should be noted that the demo boat is an RS Quest with RS Masthead Float. That makes it much easier to practice, which you must do and demonstrate your ability to recover before you can take a boat out at the CSC.
I’ve “plugged” masts as a worker for a boat builder and I’ve recovered from capsizes on boats with “plugs.” My advice is be very quick and if there are two (or more) of you, talk through the recovery procedure before sailing. The deeper the mast gets in the water the more difficult it will be to recover (of course).
Mast plugging is fairly easy. If there are spots that seem penetrable by water you can use a marine sealant to “leak-proof,” or; shape a rigid closed-cell foam piece to your spar shape, push it up into place and soft glue it, or; use top and bottom soft-glued plugs to enclose a space and fill with expanding foam. Probably don’t need something like this last one for a DS but it’s useful if you have a fitting that goes completely through such as a bolt holding a shroud fitting. In that case you should also use a tube to sleeve the bolt. We never plugged more than what would be in the water if you weren’t on your way to a turtle.
Though a happy DS1 owner and member of what in my opinion is a great YC (and home of fleet 128), I use the CSC to practice safety fundamentals. Two of note are the capsize test and picking up a MOB. Here’s yet another URL for the latter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=LvkNkrFhyp4 As a DS owner and member of the DSA, here are two things I’ve learned from CSC tests: 1) a DS, with greater freeboard, cockpit rails, etc. is nowhere near as easy to “recover.” I’ve never done a dry capsize or scoop in a DS but the CSC tests have made me think about what I would do. Last month’s CSC capsize was to windward in an RS Quest with 3 aboard. I ended up in the water under the sail. Occupant 1 was “dry,” 2 was “scooped.” I was 3, very wet (heavy) and it was difficult to bring me aboard. I fashioned a loop from the jib sheet that helped lever me aboard. However, 2) those amazing “racing” PFDs are not so handy when you are in the water and someone is trying to pull you aboard. When pulled on, they have a tendency to slip up until they stop at your armpits. Not so perfect. Put on your PFD, fasten it up and then grab the shoulder straps (or?) and see what I’m writing about.
Time for pool sessions or whatever?