Once at CORK some years back, I was crewing on my Tornado with a Hobie sailor helming. Winds were high, so was the swell on Lake Ontario during the the 4th day of the week long regatta. We were broad reaching with swells hitting us from the rear windward quarter. I was trapped out. One minute we were cruising along nicely, then whoosh! I big wave swept over the rear quarter from behind, lifted my helmsman up and off the boat. At least 95% of him was off the boat...as the foam cleared, I saw his foot still stuffed under the hiking strap and the rest of his leg disappearing over the rear beam. A moment later a hand popped up, followed by a head, then the rest of him clambered back over the beam. He was laughing so hard he could hardly catch his breath.

Mike.