I would like to know what my 69 Oday Mariner is capable of. How far can she heel before she goes over, or will she. It is an unatural feeling for me since I am a fairly new sailor. I am hooked on sailing and want to push her. How far can she heel in normal weather. I am talking about 10 - 20mph winds. Any help or advice appreciated. Kevin
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Kevin, If you're going to test the boats healing capabilities in a 20 Kt. wind with gusts, I can only make one suggestion to you; Close up your cabin just in case it does go over. This way, water won't go down into the cabin and swamp her. It will go into the cockpit for sure, but the self bailer may take care of the rest of the water in the cockpit after you've bailed it out enough for the self bailer to work. If you get into winds like that, you should reef the main and leave the jib in the bag down below. Keep the boat sailing and anticipate the wind gusts by heading up into the wind or letting the Main sheet go. My boat has a keel centerboard with 800 Lbs of lead for a keel, and all things being relative, it will go over on it's side with full sail in those conditions, just like your Mariner. I'd much rather reef her down and get to my destination safe and comfortable when the wind kicks up. Some of the largest sailing vessels have been known to sink during strong winds, only because the crews weren't able to get the sails reefed in time. I think that the more that you become familiar with your boat by sailing it a lot, you will know in time what her capabilities are. As for me; I'm all done sailing for this year. I just pulled her out and brought her home today. Smooth Sailing! Joe
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