I Almost Lost My Hat

[Don Guillette]

Chis: Yes, I did miss it. I got tied up on getting out of irons.

"Picking up the hat" is a bit like the MOB but it is more like a "snatch and grab" in that I don't need to hang around the stopping point. Instead of a figure 8 it is more like a circle. A "chicken gibe" works best for me since usually the wind is blowing, which is why my hat blew off in the first place.

As far as cutting the jib for MOB or a lost hat, you're got to cut the jib sheet loose or the boat will never stop. Dropping the jib is the last thing I'd do. Another thing is that "someone" on board has to keep an eye on the person in the water in a MOB situation. With a hat or winch handle it is no big deal but with MOB it is a big deal. I think your only course of action is to let it flog but be quick about it.

 

[sinnettc]

Thanks Don.

 

[Don Guillette]

Mates: I came upon a product the other day that solves my hat overboard problem. I've been using the "string with two clips" method where one clip attaches to the hat and the other to the back of my shirt. The problem with it is that it keeps the hat from going overboard but doesn't keep the cap on my head. On one ocassion I almost went over the side grabbing for my hat when I forgot it was attached - a reflex reaction.

The product I found that solves my problem and keeps my favorite hat ON MY HEAD is called CAPSURZ. Do a search and check it out.

 

[Windyway]

Well I lost my favorite hat as well and it was a Tilley! (and my cell phone another time!) GREAT sailing hat by the way. Anyway I'm new to sailing and was out on my 23 ft Spirit sailing alone, & thought I was NEVER going to retrieve this guy on the first try, but I did! Just swung around & scooped it up with a hooked pole (whatever the name of it is??) I guess beginners luck. Now I use the supplied cords that were tucked under the hat when it went flying!

 

[sinnettc]

scooped it up with a hooked pole (whatever the name of it is??)

Boat hook

 

[heart of gold]

While taking a CYA cruising course this fall we practiced MOB skills with various items including one unintentional hat over board. We were basically taught to beam reach as soon as MOB was noted, appoint a spotter, then sail a few boat lengths, jibe down wind until below the MOB then pull the boat up to him/her/hat from below keeping the MOB on the boats windward side and luff up when close enough for contact/pickup. After a few times practicing, we got pretty good at it. There are 3 positions for most ball caps though, on, off and lock(one quarter turn to the left or right once on) Secures it to the corners of the noggin.

 

[Don Guillette]

Heart Of Gold: You said the key word - PRACTICE!!!! All it took was a few times and you had you had it down. The next time it happens (hat, cushion or person) you don't even have to think about it as your action will be automatic. Some sailors, actually about 50%, will conduct the drill for the first time when whatever goes over the side. In 8 situations out of 10 the hat or cushions will sink. They are lucky if that is all they lost. If it is a person they'll wish they took the few minutes it takes to practice this drill.