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| How to get back to shore after a dismasting? http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=72182 |
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| Author: | seaw688 [ Sun Dec 07, 2025 10:39 am ] |
| Post subject: | How to get back to shore after a dismasting? |
Hi everyone, I sail a hobie cat 14 solo in a very remote area. Winter has arrived, and now the winds are predominantly offshore, around 20–30 knots. Last summer I had two dismasting incidents:
2) The second time the frame tube holding the shroud attachment bent, which turned into a real disaster — not only did the mast come down, but the trampoline collapsed as well. In both cases, I was lucky with the wind direction and eventually drifted back to shore. But the second incident threw the boat onto rocks, and I had to repair the hulls. What would you recommend for getting back to shore in such conditions when the wind is strong and offshore — and there’s no mast? It’s becoming scary to go out in this weather now. Any advice or experience would be appreciated. I’ve replaced all the rigging as much as possible, but I still don’t feel confident. |
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| Author: | srm [ Sun Dec 07, 2025 6:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How to get back to shore after a dismasting? |
The answer is simple - don’t sail solo in strong off-shore wind at remote locations in winter. At the very least, carry a VHF radio. sm |
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| Author: | jclarkdawe [ Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How to get back to shore after a dismasting? |
With an offshore breeze, you'll probably never get back after a dismasting. Any sail you can rig is not going to work very well upwind. I never sail solo without a VHF or cell phone (I sail inland lakes as well as ocean, so some places are not covered by VHF radio). If I was sailing in open ocean without another boat with me, I' also have an epirb. It's all about managing risks. Jim Clark-Dawe |
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| Author: | seaw688 [ Mon Dec 08, 2025 7:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How to get back to shore after a dismasting? |
Got it. Local coast guard is another story, they are very Italian. Once they said "ohhh nooo its dinner time so we can't help you" Then I'll buy a garmin inreach as a last resort. |
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| Author: | dorienc [ Sat Dec 13, 2025 11:15 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: How to get back to shore after a dismasting? |
You're ocean sailing? In a remote area? Locator beacon is a must, on your PFD. The Inreach Mini is what I have. VHF radio, also on your PFD is also IMHO a necessity. Replace your rigging, man. My boat is 13 years old, I'm a fresh water sailor and replaced it after 10 years. I was dismasted once with an older boat. Not fun. If you are on the ocean, I'd recommend a motor. I put a Torqeedo 1003 on mine for sailing on the Great Lakes (which is essentially ocean sailing). I was stuck on the Chesapeake Bay one night with no wind and had to paddle 5 hours in the dark. No wind. If there'd been an offshore wind, I'd still be out there! LOL I also carry flares, a compass, flashlight and a small foghorn. You're on a small boat, but it's a big ocean. Big boats carry that stuff and so should you. |
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