Solo Sailing and capsizing

Hello,

I have a 1984 Hobie 16. I was interested in some advice regarding solo righting after capsizing.

I have been sailing the boat with another person but I often go out solo. I have no problem with the solo sailing but I have to hold back because I am unable to right the boat by myself, I am about 130 lbs. If I ever do capsize while soloing I either wait to drift into shallow water, where I can walk to mast up, or till someone decides to offer me a hand.

The Hobie dealer in my area suggested buying one of those buckets and perhaps even the "Upright solo righting system." I have yet to purchase either of these and I would be happy to hear some advice about either or another suggestion.


Thanks,
Steve

Steve,

Both of those systems are great. I am fortunate(?) in that I weight substanially more than you and can right the H16 solo. I would also look into the righting line (the line with the bungie inside of it) to add to the water bucket method. Do a search on the forum for righting and you will find a cornucopia of information on the subject.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

As a relatively new H16 sailor, I would like to "second" what Nick has stated. You will have to use a righting line AND a righting bucket to stand your boat back up solo. I am 185 pounds, and in about 15 mph (12-13kt) winds I need BOTH to right the boat and I am quite certain it would be impossible for me otherwise. In fact, I found that even with the large size righting bucket filled to the brim, and leaning way out on the righting line, the boat was slow to come up. Although my technique surely leaves room for improvement, the message here is...you might be wise to get ALL of the proper gear and try a controlled capsize (first) to see if you can pull it off.

Once you know the drill, only then does confidence arrive.


Cheers

Dave

agree - all hobies should have a righting line (whatever style you like best) If you sail solo you might need some extra "help" - this might be a water bucket or a soloright pole.

My experience differs from Daves in so far that on days with 15 mph and more I (160lb) can actually righten the boat solo with just the righting line. Here it is more technique - turning the boat to a point where righting is assisted by the wind blowing into / under the sails. On days with less than 10 mph I need to use some help (soloright pole). On days with 10 mph and less I should not capsize - theoretically speaking

Patrick