capsizing

[patty callaway]

My son has been sailing for a couple of years, and I believe he just purchased an older model catalina 22. I was hoping someone could give me some reassurance on this crafts ability to stay afloat and upright in moderate to strong winds.Thanks, Patty

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Depends

What is your definition of moderate to strong winds? I don't think any prudent sailor would puposely go out in strong winds in a C22 as they're not really made for heavy weather. Keep in mind that the C22 isn't a tiny dinghy sailor that capsizes all the time. This is a full-on cruising boat. People LIVE on this boat. They're not gonna do that if they flip upside down all the time!If he's just out sailing & the winds blowing nicely, unless he is sailing with a spinnaker, there's very little chance of it capsizing. If he does sail with a spinnaker, then he darn well better be an old hat if he's sailing with it in a stiff breeze! Most beginners don't cuz they're pretty hard to handle. Best to learn in little wind how to handle the sucker.Don't worry, Mom, your baby boy is safe as long as he practices safe seamanship. If you're concerned, pay to enroll him in a Coast Guard class or two. He'll only learn more & you'll sleep better!LaDonna

 

[Michael McCann]

Generally it takes a large wave in conjunction with a 'knock down' to capsize a sailing vessel with a ballasted keel. A knock down is getting pushed over until the wind spills from the sails, usually around 40-50 degrees. When a boat is this far over, and on the face of a large wave, capsizing can occur (rare on protected bodies of water). The C22 is most popular with the swing keel, and if the keel is not in the proper position the stability of the boat can be compromised.

 

[Dick of the Sylvan]

Plan Ahead

Another concern that I've read about is when there is a failure with the swing keel, like if it breaks loose or even if it folds up into the hull when knocked over. That shifts your weight distribution which could allow the boat to turtle, so they say. Especially with an older boat you ought to check out the keel pin (not easy, but) and the tightening bolt to be sure they are still in good condition. Knowing how to reef the mainsail and doing so before the winds are too strong, and using a small storm jib before the wind builds too much, and easing of the mainsail when hit by a sudden side gust have kept the Sylvan from ever coming close to shipping water, so far. The C-22 is a good craft when sailed with some caution. Dick

 

[Ted]

Plan Ahead . . .

The Catalina 22 does not have built-in flotation, although some boats have it added as an option.In the rare case of a capsize, the boat is vulnerable and could sink if not managed properly. Flotation avoids this risk. I would think that one would have to sail the boat in some pretty harsh conditions (high wind, high waves) to run the risk of capsizing. The boat has very sufficient righting moment at 30 - 45 degrees of heel.Most C22's that sink were in high wind conditions and had lots of sail up (racing). A normal and prudent sailor should have no issues. I would add flotation as an added measure of safety.Regards,Ted