Posted By: TKT
Capsize while gybing - 05/30/11 02:20 AM
Yesterday we capsized our Infusion during a gybe for reasons I still don't fully understand. As far as I can tell, our capsize looked exactly like this guy's:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xto6u_nacra-20-capsize_sport
Can anyone help me analyze what's going wrong here and how to avoid it next time?
In our case, I *think* I pulled gradually but firmly on the tiller and didn't luff up too high coming out of the gybe. Helm and crew both crossed the boat normally and were in position on the new windward side. Traveler was about halfway out and spinnaker was retrieved already (we were almost back to our beach). Medium strong wind. It *seemed* we were doing everything normally, but as soon as the boom went across, the stern of the new windward hull was up in the air and we were swimming.
Should I have done an "S" gybe (turned back down a bit as the boom came across)? Steered through the slow-go zone even more gradually? Let the traveler out all the way?
This is the second time we've capsized this way and we'd really prefer not to repeat our mistake. Any help from the old hands here is deeply appreciated.
Chris
http:/
Can anyone help me analyze what's going wrong here and how to avoid it next time?
In our case, I *think* I pulled gradually but firmly on the tiller and didn't luff up too high coming out of the gybe. Helm and crew both crossed the boat normally and were in position on the new windward side. Traveler was about halfway out and spinnaker was retrieved already (we were almost back to our beach). Medium strong wind. It *seemed* we were doing everything normally, but as soon as the boom went across, the stern of the new windward hull was up in the air and we were swimming.
Should I have done an "S" gybe (turned back down a bit as the boom came across)? Steered through the slow-go zone even more gradually? Let the traveler out all the way?
This is the second time we've capsized this way and we'd really prefer not to repeat our mistake. Any help from the old hands here is deeply appreciated.
Chris