Capsize a Cat 22?

[david]

We are realatively new to sailing, and enjoy going close-haul - but we just aren't really sure how much heel is too much. Can we capsize a Cat 22? Should we be concerned? Is there a limit beyond which we have to be careful, or will the boat just drag sideways. We were sailing last season and a puff heeled us over enough to make us wonder what would have happened if we had not spilled the wind. This must be a common question, but we feel a bit stupid for not knowing the answer. Before we take passengers, we feel we should understand this better. Thanks.D&A

 

[Mike]

Turtle

All things are possible, but you can have a knock down and still recover asong as hatches are closed.

 

[Joe Voss]

Capsize and heel

I have one of those cheap heel indicators and I usually find 15 to 20 deg. to be a safe and effective amount. After that you are losing speed and getting your crew nervous, IMHO. Its always better have a reef in then fighting the Boat. I ordered two reef points in my new Main so I have more control and options.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Not likely

It's possible but highly unlikely for you to capsize your boat. A more likely scenario (still extremely rare) would be to have a knockdown (the mast basically hits the water). Rarer still would be to have the cabin fill with water cuz the hatchboards are out. But it has happened so the best course of action would be to reef early and if it gets wild, close up the cabin. If you want some more details, search the archives for this topic. It was discussed a couple months back to some extent. Have fun and don't fret!LaDonna