I am not a H16 sailor, but it seems as though 250 lbs should right a H16 in most conditions. If you need an additional 220 lbs of ballast to right the boat, then I would think something else is wrong. A couple of things to think about: main downhaul loosened, main sheet released, traveler released and most importantly - is the mast sealed at the top? A leaky mast head will certainly cause righting problems. Am I way off base in my assumption that this amount of weight should be sufficient?
Excellent points, but I'm certain none of these are my problem. Perhaps it's not the weight but rather that I'm too damn short! Seriously, though, I think the key is "in most conditions". I probably could right my H-16 solo most of the time with the smaller bag. However, I sail solo in the Gulf, in winter, etc. a lot when there's no one close to help out, and I think one should be able to right solo reasonably quickly every time.....your boat or your life could possibly be at stake.
If I had to pick between Slip-to-Ship or Island Hop - which should it be?
Slip To Ship....definitely! Better weather (especially if you're camping), better wind probabilities, and better turnout. It's typically much hotter for Island Hop but still a blast. I'll do my best to attend both, but won't plan on being able to camp for Island Hop. See you there!
Jerome
