Great Sailing Sunday. Woops!

[Tater]

I have never been one to hide embarrassing moments. We all have them. They are part of any sport/hobby. Yesterday is not an exception.

My friend and I caught a strong gust. I had previously cautioned on the use of the Main Sheet Jam Cleat. I should have insisted. The Hunter 170 is easy to right, just be ready to hang-on as the sail will catch the wind and do what is does. With minimum force on the centerboard the sails caught the wind and the boat took off downwind leaving my friend adrift. All I could do was hang-on until the boat beached. Before I could recover and get back to him, fishermen brought him to me.

What I learned:
I need a rope or ladder for when it is necessary to board from the water.
The Main Sheet Jam Cleat is for temporary use only. An example is when your hand is tired and cramping. No exceptions!

I hope this helps others.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I am up in the air about the jam cleat on a sheet. For example, when sailing overnight, the wind vane set and you are watching the compass at the helm for leagues, you can't hold that sheet. But you don't a want to tie it off. You want to be able to release it quickly. The jam cleat is a good compromise.

I know we are talking about different kinds of sailing. I just think the real issue is in the appropriate and timely reaction of the sailor. In my pram and on my Hobie, I only ever sailed with the sheet in my hand. But, I don't think a jam cleat is necessarily dangerous. There are times when they are good and times when one shouldn't consider using them.

Was there any indication that such sudden gusts should be expected? Lesson learned and experience gained for minimal cost. Great job.

-Will

 

[Simon Sexton]

@Tater ,

Good afternoon! Thanks for sharing your story, it's always interesting to read about other sailors' experiences with accidents such as this one. As an instructor, I've taught many students how to properly right a capsized boat, and the steps are simple:
1. Let your partner know (if you have one) that you're okay and not injured.
2. Have one person swim around to the cockpit side of the boat to ensure the mainsheet is free to run, and the tiller is not caught in any lines. If the tiller is caught, the boat will steer itself to a course and leave you and your partner behind, or drag both of you along. This poses a risk of drowning. Likewise, if the tiller is stuck to one side, the boat may tack or jibe repeatedly. This may cause risk of being run over by your own boat, or being struck by the boom while the vessel is out of control.
3. Both sailors apply ample pressure to the centerboard/daggerboard to slowly and safely right the boat. Be sure not to bounce or do any sort of pull-up motions on the board, as it could break it, leaving you and your buddy stranded with no way to right the boat.
4. Climb back in the boat. Sometimes it's easier to do this utilizing the transom, which is lower to the waterline. In smaller dinghies, one partner rights the boat while the other sailor pulls themselves into the cockpit while the boat turns back upright. The sailor in the cockpit then grabs the other by the lifejacket straps, and pulls them back onboard.

5. Check the boat, de-water, and keep sailing!

** Always stay with the boat! **

I'm sure you've got plenty of sailing knowledge, but I always make sure to share these 5 steps with folks who have been in a capsizing situation, and voice any concerns or issues they may have had during the process. I hope it helps you out!

 

[Tater]

Was there any indication that such sudden gusts should be expected? Lesson learned and experience gained for minimal cost. Great job.

-Will

Will, we had gusts all day but this one was very strong. Before this one, 2 butts high on the seat was plenty of counterweight.

 

[Tater]

@Tater ,

Good afternoon! Thanks for sharing your story, it's always interesting to read about other sailors' experiences with accidents such as this one. As an instructor, I've taught many students how to properly right a capsized boat, and the steps are simple:
1. Let your partner know (if you have one) that you're okay and not injured.
2. Have one person swim around to the cockpit side of the boat to ensure the mainsheet is free to run, and the tiller is not caught in any lines. If the tiller is caught, the boat will steer itself to a course and leave you and your partner behind, or drag both of you along. This poses a risk of drowning. Likewise, if the tiller is stuck to one side, the boat may tack or jibe repeatedly. This may cause risk of being run over by your own boat, or being struck by the boom while the vessel is out of control.
3. Both sailors apply ample pressure to the centerboard/daggerboard to slowly and safely right the boat. Be sure not to bounce or do any sort of pull-up motions on the board, as it could break it, leaving you and your buddy stranded with no way to right the boat.
4. Climb back in the boat. Sometimes it's easier to do this utilizing the transom, which is lower to the waterline. In smaller dinghies, one partner rights the boat while the other sailor pulls themselves into the cockpit while the boat turns back upright. The sailor in the cockpit then grabs the other by the lifejacket straps, and pulls them back onboard.

5. Check the boat, de-water, and keep sailing!

** Always stay with the boat! **

I'm sure you've got plenty of sailing knowledge, but I always make sure to share these 5 steps with folks who have been in a capsizing situation, and voice any concerns or issues they may have had during the process. I hope it helps you out!

Thanks Simon. The 170 has an open transom. I just need something to pull on. I am thinking a half inch line with bowline loops for hands and feet would work. I could tie it to the tabernacle and hang the other end at the stern. This would work for swimming too.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

What were the wind speeds when first sailing?

 

[Tater]

What were the wind speeds when first sailing?

Hi Dave. I est. 5-10 with gusts to 15. The big one could have been a 20+. Momma said there would be days like yesterday.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As the gusts get stronger you may want to consider reefing early for example 15-17 mph. With the 170, I found max heel between 12-14 degrees works well for me

 

[LloydB]

So am I to understand your sail plan was three sheets to the wind until you tied one on?

 

[Tater]

So am I to understand your sail plan was three sheets to the wind until you tied one on?

That part came after the hot tub, hot coffee and warm blankets.

 

[Will Gilmore]

First inebriation, then incubation? Sounds like a plan.

-Will