Not on BlueJ, but on a Capri 25 that was racing. Jodi, Cindy and I were out pleasure sailing during the race. Forecast called for 8-12kts, but we consistently saw 15-20 on the main lake. The 83F day brought out ALL the big powerboats, so there was huge chop on the lake.
On the last downwind of a WL5 course, the bowman of the boat in question (also the owner) went forward for a jibe. While jibing the pole, the boat was hit by a very large wave that violently rocked the boat. He lost balance and fell backward, still holding the pole. He grabbed on tight, expecting the topping lift to catch and hold him, but it either broke or was not secured at the time.
Rolling backwards into the water, he brought the pole and guy with him, which wrapped around him. While tangled up in the guy the boat sailed OVER him, and he came out on the other side, between the keel and rudder. They pulled him up, untangled him, and kept going without stopping. As it was the last downwind, it didn't matter that the spin gear was in shambles, so they finished the race.
Thoughts? Questions? Observations?
On the last downwind of a WL5 course, the bowman of the boat in question (also the owner) went forward for a jibe. While jibing the pole, the boat was hit by a very large wave that violently rocked the boat. He lost balance and fell backward, still holding the pole. He grabbed on tight, expecting the topping lift to catch and hold him, but it either broke or was not secured at the time.
Rolling backwards into the water, he brought the pole and guy with him, which wrapped around him. While tangled up in the guy the boat sailed OVER him, and he came out on the other side, between the keel and rudder. They pulled him up, untangled him, and kept going without stopping. As it was the last downwind, it didn't matter that the spin gear was in shambles, so they finished the race.
Thoughts? Questions? Observations?