All good questions. As to wind speed, you could find "white caps" too much for cold water sailing. Work your way up to white cap winds, as it's a very desirable wind for Sunfish sailing.Got my boat, learned to rig her and buying some minor accessories (bungie for dagger board, paddle, cup to bail) and now I'm planning my first adventure. The water is still cold (50-65) so I'd prefer to not go in especially since I have yet to practice recovering so what can I do to limit my chances of capsizing? Wind speed? Rig a different way? Sit someone on the boat? Should I maybe tie a jug to the mast too so if I do go in it doesn't turtle and make it harder?
Yes, I know everyone says that, and I suggested at least one reason why: namely, because with the mast and daggerboard in their standard positions, moving the gooseneck that far forward will move the center of effort of the sail far enough aft to cause heavy weather helm, as I found out when I tried it that way:@bhm is that your normal sail setting? the gooseneck should not be at the tack of the sail, but roughly 14" to 20" or so back from the tack, where the two booms are connected.
if you go off the highside with the sheet in hand and youre going up wind, that will trim the sheet in and probably accelerate the boat. ive been drug through that water on the laser2. i mean, it did capsize from my body weight and the resistance. but i heard the ratchet go as i went over and was literally at the end of the line when i came up for air. lol. i had to hold my hat on my head as i was pulled along behind for a moment.I cannot agree with the comment above:
When a capsize appears imminent, just let go of everything, and the boat will "snap" right up.
The problem is if you do end up going over, you can get separated from the boat, which can be a problem if it is windy. Best practice is to hold on to the end of the sheet. That way, you can pull yourself back to the boat if necessary.
Correct.I cannot agree with the comment above:
When a capsize appears imminent, just let go of everything, and the boat will "snap" right up.
The problem is if you do end up going over, you can get separated from the boat, which can be a problem if it is windy. Best practice is to hold on to the end of the sheet. That way, you can pull yourself back to the boat if necessary.