by jeadstx » Sat May 14, 2016 1:38 pm
When I capsized in 2012 on the Texas coast I did have some trouble righting it. The boat stayed sitting on its' side due to flotation I had added to the mast head. My crew unfortunately decided he wanted nothing to do with righting the boat and swam to shore. I un-cleated the main and jib sheets and got to the centerboard. I pulled down on the centerboard, but couldn't get enough leverage. While I was waiting for it to settle in the water a little so I could grab the gunwale to get better righting leverage, one of the boats from our group came out from camp to assist. One man jumped into the water, grabbed the gunwale while pushing down on the centerboard and the boat came upright easily. I guess, if you know the technique, you can right the boat.
That said the Day Sailer can take a lot of heel before going over. I've put a rail under water more than once without going over. One time a wind shift and gust hit the boat putting my back into the water. My crew (either by skill or panic) climbed to the high side hiked out and we recovered without going over. My crew later told me her thoughts were to just get to the highest point on the sinking ship. I told her she did well.
If concerned about righting capabilities, conduct a capsize test by intentionally capsizing the boat to see how it behaves. Goal number though is learn to prevent a capsize.
John
1976 Day Sailer II, #8075 - Completed the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Texas 200
1952 Beetle Boat Swan Catboat
Early Rhodes 19
1973 Mariner 2+2, #2607 - Completed 2014, 2015 and 2016 Texas 200
1969 Day Sailer I, #3229
Fleet 135; Canyon Lake, Texas