This article was in today's "Scuttlebutt" e-newsleter:

Innovative mainsail

Our designer, Steve Killing, and sailmaker, Hans Fogh, have developed a new radial-top mainsail with integral soft foam flotation. The foam occupies the area above the full length top batten, which still does a nice job of controlling the section shape. It is an option which creates what we think is the first turtle-proof dinghy using mainsail flotation alone. Developed primarily for the sailing schools it can be added to any existing mainsail by the Quantum sail loft in Toronto, Ontario.

(PHOTO)

The capsized boat with floater mainsail will stay in this position until the crew wants to right it.

See and read more at: http://www.fusion15.com

Mary has been suggesting that for years...

Have you seen this product specifically for Cats?

Anti-Capsize Auto Inflator

I don't have to worry about a capsize (never say "never") but a pitchpole on my Rave is practically unrecoverable by a single hander and maybe not with both of us on the boat. A lot of floatation is necessary to keep the mast up which I hope can help the leverage necessary to bring her back into position.

I carry a couple of PFD's that were used on airliners. I found them at a surplus store. Because they are the CO2 cartridge inflatable type I can keep them both folded into a small package ready for use. If I need them I have a dedicated 1/8" dia. halyard to run them out to the mast tip after a pitchpole. I thought of this after my one and only pitchpole experience three years ago when the unsurmountable problem was overcoming the weight of the mast and mainsail at the angle they were aimed into the water.

These PFD's also have the whistle, the manual inflating tube, a light, and the collar is inflated, as well. In addition to having them for the pitchpole use they are good to have as extra PFD's. Their portablilty may also make them handy as emergency flotation bags wherever they may be needed.