Slow Motion Pitch Pole

What an embarrassing maneuver! It wasn't really a pitch pole like you think. I was headed back to shore to install the drain plugs- D' oh!!! I had been out for about 30 minutes and eventually realized why my H16 was sailing sluggishly since it happened once before. I was single-handed and there was a little too much wind to jump off and put in the plugs, plus the damage was already done. Any way, I stayed forward to try and balance the boat with my weight and keep her under control. Just when I thought I would make it back, the lee bow caught a wave and slowly submerged. No violent tour of the forestay or wild gyrations, just a buried bow followed by the boat slowly rolling on its side. I was unable to right the boat, but luckily a power boater helped me right it and towed me a bit until I could make it to shore, pull it out, and drain the hulls. Back in the water, the rest of the afternoon was uneventful.

_________________
Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057

I forgot once and that's all it took. I have an 18, which gave me more time than your 16. I made it back OK. I can imagine your slow motion roll, all that water slowly moving forward, than bang! Your wet.

_________________
ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277