Capsizing and I did go through the archives I plan on hitting the open ocean off the coast of San Diego next weekend and was just wondering? Last weekend we were on a good beam reach and my son-in-law was at the helm and sort of freaked out when we heeled over to the point the water was 4 inches off the rail. I showed him what slaking the main did but it got me thinking could we capsize my mac-25 in calm water in a 10 to 12 knots wind? As you heel over won’t you dump your wind before you capsize? I did search the archives and found some information but mostly on size of ballast and effects it would have and how he would not have to reef his main as soon if he had more. I did not lock my keel in the south bay due to water depth but next weekend I will I understand that hazard. Any advice would be appreciated on this subject. I will be going to the venture sail club meeting this evening and will pester then instead of you all but I do enjoy reading the forum and learned a lot. And if Dan McGuire is still reading this forum how is sailing on bull shoals lake I plan on retiring in calico rock and getting a john boat for the river never thought about my Mac for the lake. Thanks again Shaun
Capsizing
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don't think so...
"As you heel over won’t you dump your wind before you capsize?" I think that's basically right unless your are in heavy weather where waves might knock you over. You can reduce heeling like you did by easing the sheets but I find it easier to just head up closer to the wind and stall temporarily.
"As you heel over won’t you dump your wind before you capsize?" I think that's basically right unless your are in heavy weather where waves might knock you over. You can reduce heeling like you did by easing the sheets but I find it easier to just head up closer to the wind and stall temporarily.
You are safe
Shaun, 10-12 kts. with full main and Genoa, I doubt you will wind up heeled more than 30 degrees. Slack the main in puffs and you will be fine. I got caught with full main and Genoa in a sudden 35-40 kt. blast that came with the arrival of a cold front last Oct. We got blown down far enough for water to come over the starboard coaming, but she didn't go any further. According to the skipper of the boat behind me, he could see the root of my keel, the end of my boom was in the water, and my rudder was completely out of the water. What I was worried about was wind catching the broad bottom of the boat and pushing it over, but didn't happen. We were literally standing on the side of the starboard cockpit seats. The boat pretty much ceased forward progress and came back up once we got the sails un-sheeted. Other than the cabin looking like a yard sale and a 2 foot rip in the leech of my sail, Abby was none the worse for the wear. I've taken her out intentionally with 2 reefs and a storm jib in 25 to 35 kt. winds. It's a lot more work, and the boat likes to heel pretty hard sailing to the wind, but it's manageable. I say drop the main above 35kts. bare poles above 40. This was on an inland lake, combine winds like that with 12 ft. seas and it could be a different story. Watch your weather forecast, and monitor it while you are out. I think on open ocean you are likely still fine in 20 kt. winds with one reef and the working jib. A lot depends on your own abilities. Short answer after the long one- you will be perfectly fine and enjoy a good sail in 10-12 kt. winds.
Shaun, 10-12 kts. with full main and Genoa, I doubt you will wind up heeled more than 30 degrees. Slack the main in puffs and you will be fine. I got caught with full main and Genoa in a sudden 35-40 kt. blast that came with the arrival of a cold front last Oct. We got blown down far enough for water to come over the starboard coaming, but she didn't go any further. According to the skipper of the boat behind me, he could see the root of my keel, the end of my boom was in the water, and my rudder was completely out of the water. What I was worried about was wind catching the broad bottom of the boat and pushing it over, but didn't happen. We were literally standing on the side of the starboard cockpit seats. The boat pretty much ceased forward progress and came back up once we got the sails un-sheeted. Other than the cabin looking like a yard sale and a 2 foot rip in the leech of my sail, Abby was none the worse for the wear. I've taken her out intentionally with 2 reefs and a storm jib in 25 to 35 kt. winds. It's a lot more work, and the boat likes to heel pretty hard sailing to the wind, but it's manageable. I say drop the main above 35kts. bare poles above 40. This was on an inland lake, combine winds like that with 12 ft. seas and it could be a different story. Watch your weather forecast, and monitor it while you are out. I think on open ocean you are likely still fine in 20 kt. winds with one reef and the working jib. A lot depends on your own abilities. Short answer after the long one- you will be perfectly fine and enjoy a good sail in 10-12 kt. winds.
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