So you're about to go over ... last second tactics?

I went over for the first time and am thinking about what to do differently next time. From you with more experience, are there any last second tactics that will help?

In my case, I was not trapped out, but rather as far out as I could get without trapeze. And I was sailing alone. 185 pounds. I was reaching in a fresh cold front on a lake, almost no waves. Not sure what the wind speed was but definitely north of 15. RaceQ tracker said my top speed that morning was 15.5 boat speed.

As a strong puff hit, I released the main (jib remained cleated as I was solo). But this time, unlike the others that day and previously, the windward hull did not come down.

Q: would there have been anything I could do at that point either with the tiller or the jib that would have helped? My guess is no, as the wind was now under the tramp and so my fate was decided. But should I have put the tiller hard a lee at the same time I released the main? Should that be my standard procedure during such close calls?

Q: Once I was at or near 90 degrees, I pushed myself forward and away from the hulls, thereby landing on the mainsail and causing damage to the batten pocket. That was my old trick in windsurfing, to land on the sail. But I certainly don't want to do that again. It also caused the boat to turtle. So, should I have tried to hang on? Should I have gone over the back? How does one "dismount" a capsized 16?

Getting boat righted was relatively simple once I had it back to a simple capsize position. Getting it from turtle to capsize was a pain in the you-know-what.

Any thoughts or advice would be great. Thanks!

To prevent a capsize if your sailing on a beam reach or higher, turn the boat upwind to depower (in addition to dumping the sheets). Note that if you release the main but keep the jib sheeted hard, it will make the boat more difficult to turn into the wind.

To prevent a capsize if you are sailing on a broad reach or lower, turn the boat downwind to depower.

If the boat is past the point of no return, usually the best thing to do is hold on to something solid (tramp frame, wing, hull flange, hiking strap, crossbar) and then once the boat stops, lower yourself to the water. This is of course not always possible. I would definitely avoid falling into the sail if possible.

sm

As srm says holding on a little to control your fall is good, but don't stay too long since your weight is adding to the possibility of a turtle. With experience, you'll learn more about when to give up and start looking for a good place to fall between the tramp and the boom. Going over the back sounds very dangerous....one slip and you could end up with a cracked skull. Oh, and don't straddle the shroud!!

_________________
Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16