Can a 26.5 Hunter get Knocked Over?

[26.5 hunter]

We were on Lake Winnipesaukee around 6/18/11,
Sailing in a nice light wind, then we got hit with a wind that came out of no were. I though we were going over. Turned her into the wind, she came back up. Then we got hit again, blew out my jib. That may have been the best thing that happened. Started to rain, then the rain turned to ice. Turned back into the wind and headed back to Smith Cove. When we got back the sun was out, like nothing happen.

My question is, can a 26.5 hunter get knocked over?

Thank

 

[Alan]

Of course it can. Almost any boat can be 'knocked down' with the right amount of wind gust. The trick is to be aware of the changing weather conditions. A few years back I recall sailing in similar conditions. Nice day, fair winds but off to my west I saw what later turned out to be a micro burst approaching. I quickly dropped the genoa and was in the process of flaking the main as I saw this wall of wind and rain approach from our port beam at high speed. The blast hit us broadside and drove the spreaders to the water. The boat popped up and turned into the wind. My masthead anemometer recorded 82 knots. Within minutes it was gone and calm returned. All we suffered were a few spilled drinks and a little raised blood pressure.

 

[26.5 hunter]

Micro Burst

Yes, that's what it was, Micro Burst, Did not see it comming across the water. Just came out of the sky.

Thanks

 

[r.oril]

First time out with our 26D and we got hit with a gust that ripped out the sail slugs on the main. I was on the bow lowering the jib and had to hang on to the rail with feet 90 degrees to the water. Boat recovered and I changed my shorts, LOL!

Rule one: Always wear a PFD!
Rule two: See rule one!

 

[TerryGufshoz]

What fun! A lot of can say "been there, done that". I learned that it was easy to underestimate the weather and the boat's ability; and to overestimate the wisdom of the occupants. My turn was15 years ago in my O'Day 23 and we laugh about it now, but not then. Ever thought you could make it back to the dock before that before that approaching squall line hit? Duh. We had the sails up when it knocked the spreaders to the water. My wife was screaming "cut the lines, cut the lines" , but she popped right up when I released all the sheets. I kept the tiller and my son wrestled in the sails. By the time he was done, he was so flogged by the whipping sheets that it looked like Captain Bly had taken a cat-o-nine to his back. Sobering experience, but a great tale to tell over our grog.