Sunday, October 1, 2006, first trip to Long Beach, CA (Claremont Launch Ramp) with my new VMI Blade, sail number 720. This is probably the first CA Blade. I haven't heard of any other deliveries out here yet. Got a late start for the beach, so it was noon by the time I arrived at the launch area. Took my time rigging as it was the first time it was to go into the water and first time I was launching from a beach solo. After a false start, forgot the rudder safety clips, I took a deep breath and pushed out through the small surf. Wind was light from the SSW. Sailed around getting the feel of the boat (significant weather helm, too much or not enough rake?). After about 40 minutes I could feel the wind starting to build and I decided to go reaching. It was a blast. The boat seems incredibly smooth compared to my former ride, Shark, US421. Almost no spray until the spinnaker pole bridle hits the water (lee hull bow nearly submerged). When the bow did dig into a wave, the boat just slowed somewhat, rose and took off again. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Broad reached in toward shore on Port and decided to go to Stbd to scream down parallel to beach and show off my speed to the only other boat around, a Hobie 16 that had just landed. Boy did I show off ...
I sort of got tangled up in the tiller and mainsheet and before you could say it, I was beyond the point of no return. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> First capsize in at least 26 years!
Needless to say, I hadn't rigged the retrieval line so there was no way I was getting the boat back upright by myself anytime soon.
Good news, the Blade didn't turtle, bad news, it sails on it's side faster than some boats do upright.
In no time at all it had covered the 100 yds or so to the beach. I had time to get it rotated so the mast was generally upwind, the rudders were in up position and the lower daggerboard was pushed up into the trunk. I didn't get time to get the high one. As the hull came within what I figured was standing depth of the beach, I bailed out and grabbed the mast. Fortunately the mean water level was about chest high and I could pretty much hold my position.
I started walking toward the beach while raising the mast higher. A passerby saw my plight and helped me lower the boat into the surf where I was able to get the nose pointed out and walked it down the beach about 50 yds to where I had launched.
No significant damage was done and I should be back for my next lesson next weekend, probably after reading up on jibing techniques again and shortening the tiller extension to something more managable than the as delivered 8 ft. Anyone have suggestions regarding optimum length of tiller extension? How about singlehanded jibing of main?
I don't even plan to try popping the chute until I'm real comfortable with the boat.
John, Newbie Blade 720, Orange County, CA
