|
THE |
|
Sailing Down Wind |
|
Graham Thompson and I were recently sailing a Bosun downwind in a force 3-4 backing wind when we capsized. This was caused by the fact that we had the centre board fully down when we suddenly gybed, broaching the dinghy around and capsizing us. |
|
Righting the Bosun proved very difficult. The centre board had become uncleated and came up during the capsize. To make matters worse the jib sheets were also found to be tied together. This meant that they could not be thrown over the hull to assist in righting the boat. When we capsized the mast lay down wind and we had to turn the hull 90 degrees into wind which proved to be very difficult in the strong wind. |
|
We learnt the hard way and spent a long time in the water. |
|
So what did we learn ---- |
|
1. Keep the centre plate up on a run, only using it sparingly to stabilise the boat if it starts rolling (death roll). |
|
2. If you are sailing a dinghy where the centreboard is intended to be cleated ensure it is secure. |
|
3 Don’t tie the jib sheets together (usually only done when single handed, no need when dingy is crewed). |