https://youtu.be/oJhoExyhWIUSee the video first...
As we can see a few comments in different foros And a lot of interest in why, how and what´s wrong..., Let´s explain a bit longer. Good for everybody to learn and prevent:
First to explain we are a group (Abisal12) sometimes sailing our Ti´s beyond its normal limits. Because the weather changes or because we need to pass through out a special zone.To do that from time to time, we have some regulations and preparations on the Kayaks. Mods like ropes to tie up the akas, plastic pin replacement, carrying spares as akas, pedals, VHF, etc are done normally. Some of those mods aren´t with controversy; improves some aspects and safety but downgrade the Ti´s in others. So for example, replacing the plastic pins is a good thing to increase the strength but could be negative if you brake the full aka...
So,
I do not recommend sailing Ti´s beyond its limits and you limits. If you need to do so for any reason, do it with a lot of preparation in Ti, equipment, helping group, preparation, procedures and route and alternates selections.
So, what we did wrong that day:
1- Preparation. As we were in a hurry to leave, another member of the group took my akas with my metal pins instead. I prepared the Ti so quickly I didn´t notice the change. So, I thought we were wearing the metal pins. If noticed, for sure we were taking the sailing with xtra care.
From now on we have all our material perfectly identify, in good order and well stored in our base of operations.
2- Control. The first in sailing need to check sailing conditions for the rest, via visual or radio. Almost everybody forgot about this checking procedure and there was a good chance to loose the Ti with problems.
3- Rescue and help. We did well and we ( the Ti in trouble) notify to the first Ti to arrived that we were OK and we´re trying to recover the Ti. Unfortunately the rescue Ti did not take a safety distance and crash again us with good chances to brake something else.
First rescue: check condition, keep a safety distance and notify to the rest...
4- Unilateral decisions. Obviously it took longer than usually to recover the Ti and without asking the rest or asking us first, there was a member who abandon his Ti leaving his Ti with just one guy and start swimming toward our position. The result was my partner was forced to leave our broken Ti and catch and help the crew who was unable to reach our position by swimming with his life jacket on. Finally and after recover my Ti we were forced to take the xtra crew with us and sail the remaining two miles with three on board in our Ti with lot of water inside.
So; do not take unilateral decisions, keep closed to the problem to see if any help is requested and ask the group first. All of us with experience in upright the Ti´s but nobody in such weather conditions...Nothing more dangerous at sea than an autocall "expert" trying to solve the problem by himself.
Thanks for reading...