Getting back aboard

Sunshinegal

New Member
I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question.

I was out sailing my Sunfish for the first time today in Buzzards Bay. I had a sudden change in the wind direction and capsized. I was able to right the boat but could not for the life of me get back into the boat.

Is there any easy way to get back in once you have righted the boat itself? Thankfully there was a nice couple sitting on their boat not too far from me who helped me out.

Talk about an embarrassing sail! Thanks
 
I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question.

I was out sailing my Sunfish for the first time today in Buzzards Bay. I had a sudden change in the wind direction and capsized. I was able to right the boat but could not for the life of me get back into the boat.

Is there any easy way to get back in once you have righted the boat itself? Thankfully there was a nice couple sitting on their boat not too far from me who helped me out.

Talk about an embarrassing sail! Thanks
Everybody has their own technique. I can usually make a grab for the far gunwale. A hiking strap can be a good helper. Some come aboard over one corner of the stern by grabbing the cockpit lip.

Regardless of what you find works best for you, do some capsize practice until you have your method down cold.

Check out this sailor's technique... (it works for a Sunfish too)



and if at first you don't succeed...


.
 
I have had five newbies on the boat in the last month, so it has been upside down aplenty.

Picture a seal. grab cockpit edge and pull up while flutter kicking your feet. You will scooch up and in.

"If you aint gettin wet, your doin it wrong":D
 
Practicing with some capsizing exercises could help, maybe you'll discover an easy way you never thought of.

How about trying to pull up on the bow handle? Just a thought.

Good luck!
 

Back
Top