Lots of good advice here. I'll add that there will probably be many more times when you find the boat in irons. Usually by screwing up a tack change. You should study up on how to get out of that situation and then go out and practice the technique until you and your family is accustomed to the flapping and know what to do. Then, instead of an stressful situation, it will be just another goof that you can laugh at yourselves about.
Also learn how to heave to; it' a great way to take a break anytime or collect yourself after an adrenaline rush. The sails don't flap. My boat won't stay in irons; she will fall off and sail herself around in crazy randomness, so when I need to stop, I heave to.
Be aware that there are huge barges that ply the channel under the 431 bridge and through the north end of the Browns Creek pool. If you are up in the channel but can't see the north end of the bridge, you might be surprised at how fast those barges come barrelling around the bend. At times like that, you need to move out of the channel fast. So, no matter what you are doing, you should have a channel exit plan that everybody on board is aware of.
Finally, I have found that, in group activities, clear communication is key. Well before any move is made, everybody should be aware of what move is coming next and what they should be doing. Directions need to be precise. When the unexpected happens, the first thing I always do is say. "No problem, here's what I want you to do." That works so well that I even say it to myself when I'm solo. And as you get the 'non-problem' sorted, go back to the mode of telling everybody what is about to happen and how they should react.
Also learn how to heave to; it' a great way to take a break anytime or collect yourself after an adrenaline rush. The sails don't flap. My boat won't stay in irons; she will fall off and sail herself around in crazy randomness, so when I need to stop, I heave to.
Be aware that there are huge barges that ply the channel under the 431 bridge and through the north end of the Browns Creek pool. If you are up in the channel but can't see the north end of the bridge, you might be surprised at how fast those barges come barrelling around the bend. At times like that, you need to move out of the channel fast. So, no matter what you are doing, you should have a channel exit plan that everybody on board is aware of.
Finally, I have found that, in group activities, clear communication is key. Well before any move is made, everybody should be aware of what move is coming next and what they should be doing. Directions need to be precise. When the unexpected happens, the first thing I always do is say. "No problem, here's what I want you to do." That works so well that I even say it to myself when I'm solo. And as you get the 'non-problem' sorted, go back to the mode of telling everybody what is about to happen and how they should react.