SherWood wrote:Are there any soothing anecdotes out there from long timers that have NEVER capsized a DS, or is that unheard of? I struggle with the risk/reward profile of a boat that appears to be very difficult to recover.
Well, don't know if this counts as soothing, but I've yet to capsize my DS1. Two caveats: I've only been sailing it for 4 years, and I've NEVER capsized a boat (except practice) in my life. Caveat #2 probably means that I sail too conservatively, but I did grow up sailing Hobie 14's and 16's. My Dad taught me to sail the Hobie FLAT, windward hull just skimming the water. Ease, hike, trim! And that skill translates directly to the DS, always (except when ghosting) sail with the mainsheet in hand.
The one maybe soothing thing I can tell you about the DS is that she'll sail on her ear with no problem. Slow, but stable enough. In other words, I've had green water coming into the cockpit and not been in any danger of going over. A few more degrees, though.... More importantly, I've had her at high angles of heel in confused chop and not lost control - it's relatively easy to sail with the rail under on smooth(ish) water, but get's dicey when the waves are pushing you around. No problem on the DS. I think that's due to the relatively sharp "knuckle" of her deadrise aft (in other words, she has a "Corner" which digs into the water, holding you steady). But I could be wrong, all I know is she has pretty good terminal stability. She's not going to capsize until she gets up around 75-80 degrees. That being said, I'd HATE to have her turn turtle, would be a real bear to turn back over. I need to put some flotation in my mast, but in the meantime I have a guardian angel perched up on top of the Windicator. God protects children, drunks, and fools!
Ok, hope you feel somewhat soothed. Remember to lash down anything that you don't want to lose in a capsize, bring a bailing bucket, and you'll be fine!
Tom