N5.2 Dick,

I understand your concern.

I also understand your love of sailing. So, you are asking very logical and open questions.

As for 'the flip', we have all done them. I have flipped in 5 knots of air before also In fact, this was the time the I 17 did not want to right itself! ( not enough wind to lift the sail) When I finnally agreed to have the RC boat assist me, the I 17 just slide on its side,, so it took forever to get the boat up even with powerboat help.( lifting the mast tip did not work either.

Here in the Caribbean, it is trade winds/waves 90% of the day/week/year. That would be 15-20 mph, 2-3 foot waves as normal.

I have not flipped in 2 years, and we sail/race year round. You just have to know the upper limits of your boat. Plus, I see my jib/main friends flip all the time, the Uni is kinder in this respect. In fact, when a knock-down gust come thru the course and the jib/main cats are going down,, I just throttle back knowing, that I will win that race, by just being under control and making it thru the course. I am sure you have all seem this on race day.

Here is another option, on 'big air' days, have a smaller set of sails made , to be used. This is what I did. In the last 20-mph regatta, I used the 'small' sail ( 150 sf) and the boat was a sweetheart at full throttle, never even considered a 'flip' at any time.

So, the best solution, I believe, is to 'out-think' the problem. What can I do to lower the chance of 'flipping'?

regards,
Bruce
St. Croix
USVI
I 17

ps; Is there a jib on your N 5.2? If so, maybe you consider a Uni boat. There are many available now. The F16HP's,F-17, etc. Plus, if you have these 'big winds', you do not need to go spin to have fun, these boats perform great,