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Capsize management in a breeze

Posted By: rehmbo

Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 12:09 PM

I hesitate to post this as it reveals my lack of skill/experience smile

Made a stupid mistake at the gate in some breeze and ended up going over. Un-cleated the main, traveler, and jib and righted the boat within a few seconds.

The challenging part came when the boat took off on a nice broad reach with my crew and I still in the water hanging on to the front beam. I'm in pretty decent shape, but the speed/drag was far too much to heave myself up. We both tried moving to the windward side to try to get the boat to round up, but no joy. Finally, my gymnast son was somehow able to hoist himself up, get back to the tiller, and head up. Exhausted, I finally climbed up. All ended well.

This is the first time this has happened to me, so I had a couple questions:

1) How to prevent the runaway train in the first place.

2) Best way to recover if you can't get over the front beam.

Regarding #1 - Should the main stay cleated, just eased a bit? Seems like the balance of pressure was too far forward. I couldn't sheet-out the jib any more (even tried while I was hanging from the beam).

Regarding #2, I had a couple thoughts. a) a preventative idea would have the crew stay on the lower hull and climb on the tramp once we're sure its coming up. Or if its too late, b) Hand-over-hand down the righting line to the back beam where I can grab the tiller cross bar and get it to head up.

Any other thoughts? Appreciate your input/advice.
Posted By: David Ingram

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by rehmbo
I hesitate to post this as it reveals my lack of skill/experience smile

Made a stupid mistake at the gate in some breeze and ended up going over. Un-cleated the main, traveler, and jib and righted the boat within a few seconds.

The challenging part came when the boat took off on a nice broad reach with my crew and I still in the water hanging on to the front beam. I'm in pretty decent shape, but the speed/drag was far too much to heave myself up. We both tried moving to the windward side to try to get the boat to round up, but no joy. Finally, my gymnast son was somehow able to hoist himself up, get back to the tiller, and head up. Exhausted, I finally climbed up. All ended well.

This is the first time this has happened to me, so I had a couple questions:

1) How to prevent the runaway train in the first place.

2) Best way to recover if you can't get over the front beam.

Regarding #1 - Should the main stay cleated, just eased a bit? Seems like the balance of pressure was too far forward. I couldn't sheet-out the jib any more (even tried while I was hanging from the beam).

Regarding #2, I had a couple thoughts. a) a preventative idea would have the crew stay on the lower hull and climb on the tramp once we're sure its coming up. Or if its too late, b) Hand-over-hand down the righting line to the back beam where I can grab the tiller cross bar and get it to head up.

Any other thoughts? Appreciate your input/advice.


I/we use #2. I also move to the back of the boat so I can steer the boat into the wind if the smaller team member misses their opportunity to get on the boat. Once my team member is on and has stablelized the boat I move to the windward outside hull and haul myself onboard with the trap handle. For me this is the most efficient way to get on the boat and it conserves my energy, I'm 51 and overweight and I sail on an F18 so if I can do it anyone can.

Posted By: pgp

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 01:22 PM

Grabbing the tiller cross bar will likely break it. Don't ask...
Posted By: bacho

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 01:38 PM

I've gone to the back of the boat and held on to the foot strap and steered the boat with my other hand a few times. The i20 was probably easier to board in the back than the newer f18 boats though.
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 01:40 PM

This is not a stupid problem. I've been there too...barreling across Charleston Harbor by myself hanging onto a rudder. The newer boats like to bare away with no weight onboard and sails eased. I suspect, however, that if you leave any sheet on the main that the boat will likely continue to roll over and re-capsize when you right it.

If I'm on a course race where help is available, here's my process: the first thing I try to do is get a crew on the low hull and have them roll over the hull as the boat comes up so they're on the deck ready to get things under control. If that fails, I make a solid effort to make sure I'm clear of any lines and QUICKLY duck under the hull (with a foot on the daggerboard if possible) and get to a trap line before the boat has a chance to start accelerating.

If I'm in a distance race where help may not be available, I came up with a system a couple of years ago where I had a pocket sewn into the bottom of my trampoline that houses a "drift sock", some line, and two carabiners. If we capsize in breeze that leaves us at risk of the bear-away happening - or if one of us got separated in the capsize, the idea is that the bitter end of the line for the drift sock is clipped to the dolphin striker and a second flow-through carabiner clipped to one of the forestay bridles. Then the drift sock is thrown off the bow. It will do a couple of things - 1) it keeps the bow oriented into the wind to make single handed righting easier. and 2) keeps the bow to the wind once righted so you don't risk having the boat bear away. Once the boat is righted, you haul in the sock (from the line clipped to the dolphin striker) and can just leave it dangling at the forestay while you go back to pick up your crew.
Posted By: David Ingram

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by bacho
I've gone to the back of the boat and held on to the foot strap and steered the boat with my other hand a few times. The i20 was probably easier to board in the back than the newer f18 boats though.


That's how I drive it when in the water too, and yes the back of an N20 is easier to deal with than the back of an F18.
Posted By: brucat

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 03:00 PM

If everything is loose (as it should be), hanging onto the dolphin striker crossbar near the windward hull should cause the boat to pivot into the wind right away.

The other thing to consider is the angle at which you started your righting attempt. Ideally, you want the wind to be ahead of the mast when the boat is on its side. 90 degrees, or wind behind the mast will put the boat instantly on a reaching angle when it's righted.

As mentioned, we've all been there. Like anything else, the best thing is to practice under controlled circumstances. Capsizing a boat is usually the last thing anyone wants to do intentionally, but the peace of mind is well worth it in the long run. I wish I didn't ignore this advice when younger.

Hope this helps.


Mike
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 03:25 PM

to get back on my mystere 5.5 I grab a trap handle .... and get my feet on board first... one they are on the hull I can pull my torso up and on the tramp
Posted By: Mlcreek

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 03:26 PM

For what it's worth. After loosing my crew at Hiram's a couple of years ago, he went floating by grabbing at the tiller and rudders to no avail. Afterwards I went back and tied a line from rear beam bolt to bolt. I laced slack in the tramp ties going to the back side of the beam. In other words I have slack loops tucked up in the lacing, so when you go over, now you can pull the line down and it drags behind the boat just past the tiller tie arm. This allows you to drift under the tramp and catch it going out the back side and right at the tiller/rudders. Now, got to see if it works. smile
Posted By: waterbug_wpb

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mlcreek
Now, got to see if it works. smile


mental note: beware of skipper tossing crew overboard unexpectedly under the guise of "trying to see if it works"...
Posted By: tshan

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by brucat
If everything is loose (as it should be), hanging onto the dolphin striker crossbar near the windward hull should cause the boat to pivot into the wind right away.


I was always taught to go hang on the dolphin striker on the windward hull to keep the boat from continuing to roll over. It does make sense that it also creates a pivot point. I really cannot think of a time where the boat tried to sail off without us onboard - it has probably happened but I don't recall it.
Posted By: rehmbo

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 04:55 PM

In our case, we hung on to the dolphin striker immediately as the upper hull came down. Boat took off on us anyway. I don't think we righted at the wrong angle - perhaps an untimely wave pushed us that way. Regardless, we only had about 5 seconds between "up" and "moving quick..."

Frankly I was quite surprised. I've righted my TheMightyHobie18 more times than I care to admit and never had this issue...

Edit: I know the difference is due to the self tacking jib.
Posted By: David Ingram

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by rehmbo
In our case, we hung on to the dolphin striker immediately as the upper hull came down. Boat took off on us anyway. I don't think we righted at the wrong angle - perhaps an untimely wave pushed us that way. Regardless, we only had about 5 seconds between "up" and "moving quick..."

Frankly I was quite surprised. I've righted my TheMightyHobie18 more times than I care to admit and never had this issue...

Edit: I know the difference is due to the self tacking jib.


5 seconds is it (if you're lucky), once the boat is up you need to execute whatever plan you have to get back onboard otherwise you're off on Mr. Toads Wild Ride.
Posted By: pgp

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 05:28 PM

I've only had this problem with the F16, which happens to be the only flat top sail I've owned.

It happens more often than not.
Posted By: David Parker

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 05:49 PM

Quote
...you're off on Mr. Toads Wild Ride.


You ARE old!
MTWR has been closed since 1998.
(See, Siri is good for something.)
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by David Ingram
Originally Posted by rehmbo
In our case, we hung on to the dolphin striker immediately as the upper hull came down. Boat took off on us anyway. I don't think we righted at the wrong angle - perhaps an untimely wave pushed us that way. Regardless, we only had about 5 seconds between "up" and "moving quick..."

Frankly I was quite surprised. I've righted my TheMightyHobie18 more times than I care to admit and never had this issue...

Edit: I know the difference is due to the self tacking jib.


5 seconds is it (if you're lucky), once the boat is up you need to execute whatever plan you have to get back onboard otherwise you're off on Mr. Toads Wild Ride.


Exactly. At the moment the crew doesn't make it on the hull, I'm working toward my duck under the hull to get to the outside. You don't have long (which is one of several reasons I don't hook into the righting line).
Posted By: David Ingram

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by David Parker
Quote
...you're off on Mr. Toads Wild Ride.


You ARE old!
MTWR has been closed since 1998.
(See, Siri is good for something.)


Yes I am but I have a huge dong.
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by David Ingram
Originally Posted by David Parker
Quote
...you're off on Mr. Toads Wild Ride.


You ARE old!
MTWR has been closed since 1998.
(See, Siri is good for something.)


Yes I am but I have a huge dong.


That's what gravity does for you...it just takes a while.
Posted By: waterbug_wpb

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by David Parker
[

You ARE old!
MTWR has been closed since 1998.
(See, Siri is good for something.)


Yeah, but Dumbo's ride is still there.

Sadly, the Delta "If you had wings" ride (the only one that didn't require TICKETS) is gone...

For you fellow old-farts, remember those ticket books? You'd be stuck with about 10 "A" tickets, but burn up the "E" tickets fast on Space Mountain and the like...

Oh, and the go-carts are still cranking after all this time. But Future-ville (or whatever they call that section) looks a little dated (George Jetson).

I will say for as old as the FL park is they do an outstanding job of keeping it from looking that old.
Posted By: brucat

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by tshan
Originally Posted by brucat
If everything is loose (as it should be), hanging onto the dolphin striker crossbar near the windward hull should cause the boat to pivot into the wind right away.


I was always taught to go hang on the dolphin striker on the windward hull to keep the boat from continuing to roll over. It does make sense that it also creates a pivot point. I really cannot think of a time where the boat tried to sail off without us onboard - it has probably happened but I don't recall it.


It's all sort of automatic to me now (having done it way too many times), so it may not be coming across correctly.

The idea is, once the boat starts coming up, get to the old bottom hull (when capsized), which will be the new windward hull (when righted), pulling down on the dolphin striker cross-piece.

That should kill two birds: puts you in the right place to keep it from rolling all the way over, and for you to be the pivot point to make it turn into the wind.

Mike
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/11/13 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by brucat
Originally Posted by tshan
Originally Posted by brucat
If everything is loose (as it should be), hanging onto the dolphin striker crossbar near the windward hull should cause the boat to pivot into the wind right away.


I was always taught to go hang on the dolphin striker on the windward hull to keep the boat from continuing to roll over. It does make sense that it also creates a pivot point. I really cannot think of a time where the boat tried to sail off without us onboard - it has probably happened but I don't recall it.


It's all sort of automatic to me now (having done it way too many times), so it may not be coming across correctly.

The idea is, once the boat starts coming up, get to the old bottom hull (when capsized), which will be the new windward hull (when righted), pulling down on the dolphin striker cross-piece.

That should kill two birds: puts you in the right place to keep it from rolling all the way over, and for you to be the pivot point to make it turn into the wind.

Mike


That's not a sure bet on an F18. I've been there and had the boat turn downwind even with me hanging to windward on the dolphin striker bar. Even with me hanging onto the windward rudder I couldn't get it to turn. Only after I finally let go did it sail another 150 yards, gybe and capsize on its own.
Posted By: JeffS

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 02:29 AM

Here's the best way to get back on
http://youtu.be/0ypF5c-NUuE
Posted By: northsea junkie

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 08:00 AM

On this forum we have discussed many times the uprighting after a capsize. That's were the focus is. The damn thing has to be upright again.

But we all know how to do this; each one has his own method and infact for the old hands it's a piece of cake.

The big problem is what happens after the uprizing. There's sometimes very little time because of unwanted headway or incoming waves.
You should have a defined plan/procedure for your handling in this phase.
A lot of us don't have this.

For me as a single-handed sailor it means taking some measures while the cat is still on its side. For making it more easy for me to climb fast on board.

Depending on your hull shape, your free board when your weight is off, always is higher then you think.
Posted By: bacho

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Jake
Originally Posted by brucat
Originally Posted by tshan
Originally Posted by brucat
If everything is loose (as it should be), hanging onto the dolphin striker crossbar near the windward hull should cause the boat to pivot into the wind right away.


I was always taught to go hang on the dolphin striker on the windward hull to keep the boat from continuing to roll over. It does make sense that it also creates a pivot point. I really cannot think of a time where the boat tried to sail off without us onboard - it has probably happened but I don't recall it.


It's all sort of automatic to me now (having done it way too many times), so it may not be coming across correctly.

The idea is, once the boat starts coming up, get to the old bottom hull (when capsized), which will be the new windward hull (when righted), pulling down on the dolphin striker cross-piece.

That should kill two birds: puts you in the right place to keep it from rolling all the way over, and for you to be the pivot point to make it turn into the wind.

Mike


That's not a sure bet on an F18. I've been there and had the boat turn downwind even with me hanging to windward on the dolphin striker bar. Even with me hanging onto the windward rudder I couldn't get it to turn. Only after I finally let go did it sail another 150 yards, gybe and capsize on its own.


Yep, my boat would not pivot from my weight on the striker. As said earlier, even in that location after about 5 seconds, the boat will already be at warp speed.
Posted By: ksurfer2

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 12:21 PM

Just a thought as I am reading and pondering this thread....As you prepare to right the boat, you will know what side of the boat will be windward once the boat is upright. How about keeping a piece of bungee in a handy spot that can be hooked to the tiller cross bar and then in a spot on what will be the leeward side so that when the boat is righted, the rudders will be locked in a position to turn the boat into the wind?
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by ksurfer2
Just a thought as I am reading and pondering this thread....As you prepare to right the boat, you will know what side of the boat will be windward once the boat is upright. How about keeping a piece of bungee in a handy spot that can be hooked to the tiller cross bar and then in a spot on what will be the leeward side so that when the boat is righted, the rudders will be locked in a position to turn the boat into the wind?


That's a thought....better get it in the right direction though.
Posted By: samc99us

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by JeffS
Here's the best way to get back on
http://youtu.be/0ypF5c-NUuE


That only works when there is help around. Not likely.

Yes the issue is with the self tacker, but it's worse on my F18 then N20 by far, and the N20 also had a self tacker, professionally aligned rudder system etc. I think the primary differences are as follows:

1) N20 had a lot more sheet available on the jib for easing. We had the slack taken up under the tramp with a bungee system that crossed the boat 3 times. Now it's a single cross in the front beam

2) The N20 is a lot narrower boat with flat decks=much easier to get on board.

We've found getting to the windward side, quickly dipping under the boat and grabbing a trap handle to the be quickest way. Of course we decided to be all "professional" and get rid of the trap line handles (in favor of donuts), and the can't miss rings, which have an extra handle, are gone in favor of aluminum rings. We'll see how all this works out, I'm inclined to stick with the "newb" can't miss rings which are much easier to use when climbing back on board. They tend to fail though, which is my #1 reason for replacement.

Our righting line is permanently rigged under the tramp and pulled aft on a bungee, you can slide back on the tramp. Not sure about the loops described by a poster above in the tramp lacing, the helmsman can get caught on this lacing coming off the wire downwind so keep that lacing tight.
Posted By: ksurfer2

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jake
Originally Posted by ksurfer2
Just a thought as I am reading and pondering this thread....As you prepare to right the boat, you will know what side of the boat will be windward once the boat is upright. How about keeping a piece of bungee in a handy spot that can be hooked to the tiller cross bar and then in a spot on what will be the leeward side so that when the boat is righted, the rudders will be locked in a position to turn the boat into the wind?


That's a thought....better get it in the right direction though.


As I was rethinking this......It's pretty much an all or nothing solution to the problem....It'll be a brilliant fix or an epic fail.
Posted By: samc99us

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 02:44 PM

...could adjust your setup to provide more auto-round up capability, ala most monohulls. Helms are lazy and want a perfectly balanced helm...a little weather helm might go a long way....big might given the main won't be trimmed. Hmmmm.
Posted By: rehmbo

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by ksurfer2
As I was rethinking this......It's pretty much an all or nothing solution to the problem....It'll be a brilliant fix or an epic fail.

Either a parked boat or a quick gybe and another splash. Either way, little risk of toad's wild ride.


Looking back over the thread thus far, I see a few suggestions to help prevent the wild ride

1) Make sure the wind angle is forward of 90° during righting.
2) Grab dolphin striker immediately on low/windward side. (didn't work for me)
3) Possibly use bungee to lock rudder at angle (rudder angled down on the capsized boat assuming #1 is done)

The focus on getting back on the boat as quickly as possible is legitimate. Frankly, I'm not sure I can reach the trap handles from the water if the boat is moving. Too much freeboard and no ability to "swim" up to it. I've tried the crew trap, and its too high. Maybe skipper trap is easier. I guess its time to practice...

If its too late for the above and the boat is already really moving, I still kinda like the idea of dragging back hand-over-hand to the back of the boat on the righting line and then using the rudder, cross-bar, or tiller extension to steer the boat up (keeping the load on the righting line).
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 03:04 PM

how bout you position the main sheet so you can grab it as soon as you are righted? If the cat takes off ... you sheet the main in and let her capsize

Originally Posted by rehmbo
Originally Posted by ksurfer2
As I was rethinking this......It's pretty much an all or nothing solution to the problem....It'll be a brilliant fix or an epic fail.

Either a parked boat or a quick gybe and another splash. Either way, little risk of toad's wild ride.


Looking back over the thread thus far, I see a few suggestions to help prevent the wild ride

1) Make sure the wind angle is forward of 90° during righting.
2) Grab dolphin striker immediately on low/windward side. (didn't work for me)
3) Possibly use bungee to lock rudder at angle (rudder angled down on the capsized boat assuming #1 is done)

The focus on getting back on the boat as quickly as possible is legitimate. Frankly, I'm not sure I can reach the trap handles from the water if the boat is moving. Too much freeboard and no ability to "swim" up to it. I've tried the crew trap, and its too high. Maybe skipper trap is easier. I guess its time to practice...

If its too late for the above and the boat is already really moving, I still kinda like the idea of dragging back hand-over-hand to the back of the boat on the righting line and then using the rudder, cross-bar, or tiller extension to steer the boat up (keeping the load on the righting line).
Posted By: samc99us

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 03:21 PM

That doesn't work in reality. You have no leverage to sheet the main, the angle to the mainsheet can be coming down over your rudder system = bent rudder parts, all the while you are being dragged behind the boat and can possibly get tangled up in the mainsheet.
Posted By: brucat

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 03:49 PM

OK, I'm a big guy, so maybe that helps my boats pivot. Haven't had to do this on an F18, but it works for me on H16s and Waves.

Having the wind forward before righting is critical in big wind, as it sets the boat heads-up into the wind as it's righted. Shouldn't matter which boat you have for this to work.

I try to avoid lines at all costs when the boat is over. Don't want to get pulled down if it turtles. Being dragged behind the boat by a sheet is no fun, either, especially if it won't head up.

Currently, my biggest problem is that there isn't a great way to get back onto a Wave once you're in the water. I made Hunter try to figure it out when he was swimming off the boat between races at Barnegat, and he used the rudder arm to get himself aboard. Only problem is that I outweigh him by about 200 pounds, and my rudder system would be a pretzel, with me still in the water, if I tried that... frown

Mike
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 06:25 PM

With the way F18s are carrying hull rocker, the helm changes depending on amount of weight aboard and placement. I sail with some weather helm (I think it helps me feel it better) but it still wants to round down when nobody is on the boat. I think the drag chute (drift sock) is good insurance while distance racing.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/12/13 09:39 PM

works in my reality
I have gone over the back or side 2 times in my 14 sailing cats. both times i was able to hold on to the main, and when the boat took up all the slack, the boat flew a hull and capsized with no one on board


Originally Posted by samc99us
That doesn't work in reality. You have no leverage to sheet the main, the angle to the mainsheet can be coming down over your rudder system = bent rudder parts, all the while you are being dragged behind the boat and can possibly get tangled up in the mainsheet.
Posted By: samc99us

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 12:21 AM

Lol, well clearly I live in an alternate universe...Jake's post above about covers the differences on a F18. Drag chute seems like the best idea in these 4 pages of reading.
Posted By: davefarmer

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 04:04 AM

If the jib not sheeting out enough is part of the problem, would it help to disconnect from the clew?

My experience with the drift sock off the bow, ala Jake's set up, is that it does an excellent job of orienting the bows into the wind for righting, prevents drifting into possible hazards, and operates as a great brake if the boat starts to sail off.
Posted By: Jake

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by davefarmer
If the jib not sheeting out enough is part of the problem, would it help to disconnect from the clew?...


If it is windy...as in enough that capsizing is a real problem...unpinning the jib will flog it to death and it would be tough to get it back on the sheet.
Posted By: northsea junkie

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by northsea junkie


For me as a single-handed sailor it means taking some measures while the cat is still on its side. For making it more easy for me to climb fast on board.




Here's a simple climbing ladder (have one on each side) which I can unfold in a few seconds when the cat is on its side.
So, I take the ladder near the lower hull in the water ending up automatically near the windward hull. I can grab the ladder ropes for holding the cat down after uprighting

Next the trick is to swing my leg over the centre rope which goes to the front, so under my crotch. When standing up on the wooden bar, grabbing the rope ladder, I am practically on board.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

With this procedure I hold my cat automatically in the wind (I'm the brake)
Posted By: brucat

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 07:14 PM

Hobie Cat needs to make something like that for the Wave!

Mike
Posted By: pgp

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 08:06 PM

Ronald, I use a similar device but found that kneeling gives a little lower center or gravity. Once my knees are on the bar my waist is above the cross beam. So, you might try shortening the ropes, that worked a little better for me.

None of these things is of help if you get separated from the Boat, whick is my biggest concern.
Posted By: northsea junkie

Re: Capsize management in a breeze - 09/13/13 08:51 PM

Yes Pete, y're quite right with the little lower center of gravity.

But I found out that searching the bar with my feet is easier in rough wave conditions. When I swing my leg over the center-line, my feets are already close to the bar.

Moreover my feet feel more stable on the bar then my knees and standing gives me a sort of mental boost in the tricky situation of the capseize.
When I arrive in the standing position, I know its done, I'm out of trouble.

Finally I was looking for a method which could also be used when I was hurt (maybe twisted something or even broke something). I hope that this trick will give me the best chances in bad unforeseen circumstances.
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