Uprighting capsized capri

[RandleCorfman]

I just had a learning experience in uprighting my 14.2 capri after being caught off guard by a wind gust. I attempted to pull on the centerboard, but the elasticity had been sufficiently lost by the cord which is supposed to hold the centerboard in place, and the centerboard was nicely tucked well inside the boat, giving me nothing to hold on to in an effort to upright the boat. I have seen a "balloon", for lack of a better term, on a series of smaller sailboats and it is my guess that they are there to provide a bit more time before the mast is completely inverted. Anyone familiar with these? Thanks.Randy Corfman

 

[Dan Vaughn]

Capri 14.2 Masthead

Randy: I have seen what you are describing on Hobie Cat catamarans. It is a flotation device placed on the top of the mast to keep the boat from :TURTLEING. I don't know if they are adaptable for Capri's but you can check with a guy that sells Hobie's.

 

[Fred Rose]

Bringing up a turtled Capri 14

You all certainly know about Kansas storms. We do have lots of wind out here. Many of our lakes are resivoirs and can be quite gusty - perfect for dumping sailboats. Don't use the sail line cleats until you know what to do when you have too much wind. You can learn to see gusts coming because the water gets darker areas where the gust is. Also you can learn to see the local waves and recognize their broad U shape indicating local wind direction. The capsized 14ft Capri can be kept from turtling if an attentive crew can swim to the mast tip and contribute 8 to 10 lbs of flotation. I believe that a one gallon plastic jug can lift about 8 lbs. My friend is learning to sail his 15 ft beach cat with such a float on the mast head. Works OK so far but looks tacky. If the boat turtles tell the crew to hang on to the boat and you swim underneath, release the jib and main sheet cleats and swing the centerboard into the max position. There will be enough air under the boat to breath comfortably and safely. Then go back outside and point the bow into the wind and climb up on the hull. Grab the top of the extended centerboard and lean out as far as possible. (This usually attracts lots of motorboats - they often think we are helpless and insane.) I weigh 160lbs and can just get the job done by myself. It is easier with 2. As the boat comes up let the sails flog and have someone in the water hold the bow line to keep the boat facing the wind while the other person puts the boat back in order. This sounds scary because the noise and motion can be disturbing but keep a calm head...it is just noise. When the sails are not flapping they are likely to be powering the boat into a second capsize. Then the second person climbs in and you are off. If you are by yourself the boat will drift more or less safely while you straighten up enough to start sailing. It is a good idea to actually practice this recovery several times just to get confidence with the boat. This can be lots of fun on a hot day. Do this in deep water so as not to stick the masthead in the mud. I really like the fact that the floor in my boat is above the waterline and drains quickly. good luckFred

 

[RandleCorfman]

Thanks

Thanks, Dan and Fred. I now know what "turtleing" is. And I can say that I have been there and done that.Fred, I grew up on a farm near Wichita, learned to fly in Kansas, and have a great respect and appreciation for Kansas wind.Your tips are terrific. Thank you so much.Randy

 

[Dick. Sailing the desert sands]

thanks Fred

Thanks for the suggestion to prevent turtling. You can often find styrofoam balls in craft shops. Just a thought.