So last Saturday I set sail on our nice medium sized lake in the north Chicago suburban area. Winds were predicted to be 5-15, turned out to be more like 3-20. And the gusts popped up out of nowhere! You could only see them coming by watching the water for the big "cat's paws". Started out with reefed main only, as the gusts became less frequent I got bored and decided to hoist the jib. After a few nice laps out of nowhere WHAM got nailed with a good 20 knot gust. Didn't have time to do the usual de-powering drill, Capri just heeled about as far as possible without going over! Bottom rail submerged as I let go of the helm and scrambled to the high rail. Boat automatically rounded up to weather which gave me time to regain control. Went to a somewhat upwind heading which allowed the partially luffing main to keep boat moving while I dropped the jib. Bailed out the cockpit and carried on with my tail between my legs.
Lessons here:
**When you hit a blast release the helm. Let the boat go where it wants and just scramble about to fight the heel. The worst thing you could do is hang on the helm which most likely will cause her to go over.
**Thank goodness I had my "baby bob" on top of the mast. When conditions are calm I don't bother putting it on, but it would have been a lifesaver that day.
**On those gusty days be mindful that getting bored and hoisting jib can be problematic. Now I should add that this is my 5th season with Capri and have yet to dump her, this was the closest I ever came.
**I'm also going to hook a float onto the end of my anchor line. That way if I do ever dump I won't lost my nice 8lb mushroom anchor. My keys, cell phone, and other important things are all stored in waterproof Deckson bags, so no issues there.
**And the boat has great flotation below the seats. If it goes over it will lay on it's side, cockpit will stay dry. But without the baby bob you will turtle for sure, then you're toast.
Cheers!
Lessons here:
**When you hit a blast release the helm. Let the boat go where it wants and just scramble about to fight the heel. The worst thing you could do is hang on the helm which most likely will cause her to go over.
**Thank goodness I had my "baby bob" on top of the mast. When conditions are calm I don't bother putting it on, but it would have been a lifesaver that day.
**On those gusty days be mindful that getting bored and hoisting jib can be problematic. Now I should add that this is my 5th season with Capri and have yet to dump her, this was the closest I ever came.
**I'm also going to hook a float onto the end of my anchor line. That way if I do ever dump I won't lost my nice 8lb mushroom anchor. My keys, cell phone, and other important things are all stored in waterproof Deckson bags, so no issues there.
**And the boat has great flotation below the seats. If it goes over it will lay on it's side, cockpit will stay dry. But without the baby bob you will turtle for sure, then you're toast.
Cheers!
