Saturday I was sailing 4 miles off shore on Lake Michigan. When something like this happened...



For those of you not familiar with the great lakes, they are cold and deserted. We had just turned back to shore when there was a bang. We were blowing out to sea fast. Thank God we brought a Cell phone.





Some of us don't have the luxury of sailing with other cats, So I urge all of you to check your anchor pins, bring a phone, and tell someone where you'll be and when you'll expect to be back.

--
Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
--

i think demasting is like an initiation for cat sailing

Quote

i think demasting is like an initiation for cat sailing

I agree. It's really the worst thing that can happen next to sinking.

--
Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
--

Glad you were prepared with the phone and got home safe. I once saw a beachcat get home after a demasting by jury-rigging a mast from the boom and lines, kind of a crab-claw setup.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
--

I've had this happen to me twice this season!

The first time was on a Hobie 16 when the shackle at the base of the starboard shroud disappeared. Fortunately there was a shroud extender that held so the mast stayed up well enough for us to get back to shore.

The second time was in a Hobie Wave when the port shroud snapped at the base. That time I was upwind of my launch site so I laid the mast athwartship held up the sail by the leech.

--
Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
Clearwater, FL
--

I think one thing worse than demasting (and right up there with sinking) is to have your boat capsize and then blow away from you. Even with a chase boat and other sailboats around, it can be really tough to spot someone in heavy air/seas.

A lot of the guys I sail with (many of the boats are single-handed F17 and A-Cats) carry VHF not just on the boat, but attached to their life vests. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, having a radio on board might be a USCG requirement.

--
Jeff R
'88 H18 "Jolly Mon"
'10 C2 USA1193
NE IN / SE MI
cramsailing.com
--

Wow. Glad to hear a happy ending to this story. I recently purchased a floating, Uniden VHF portable marine radio and based upon this story, will be careful to make sure I take it with me. My last trip, I forgot to bring it along and it sat in the car while I was out on the boat. Kinda defeats the purpose.

--
Karl, Captain of Stayin' Thirsty
2011 Hobie 16SE
Atlanta, GA
--

A VHF radio is not required by the US Coast Guard but they do take the time to list it under "recommended items"....and it's the first one on that list. Seems to me if they take the time to do that, it should be strongly considered.

--
Bert Scott
Niceville, FL
Nacra F18
--

I've been holding back on telling my new experience partly because of embarrasment but here goes.....

A couple weeks ago, I was out on the wire when a splice on my trapeze rig failed and I dropped into the water like a stone.
I had the mainsheet and tried to let go of it as quick as possible, but still sheeted in quite a bit. I surfaced in time to watch my wife valantly try to get the windward hull down but it was too late. She sailed away a couple hundred yards and then capsized. Fortunately, the tide was coming in and I was able to swim the 200 yards back to the boat but was EXHAUSTED by the time I got back to her. Too exhausted to right the boat. We could not get our bows into the wind because of the tidal current. Yes, we had our weight forward on the hull but the current must have been negating the effort. There was no way I would have been able to swim the mast around.
Fortunately, we had our VHF radio tied to the boom so I called the Coast Guard for help. We were in a pretty desolate area and figured the radio was not going to reach anyone but fortunately they heard me and sent 2 RBI's out to help us. I had them lift the mast end and the boat popped right up and we got back on.

I learned several things from the experience.
1) Put a radio on each person's vest instead of keeping it on the boat. If my wife had sailed any further away and capsized, there is no way I could have swam back to the boat. Then, I would have been screwed floating in the water with nothing but my whistle.
2) Don't tie "safetly" equipment onto the boat. Fasten it so it can be easily retrieved. I could not untie the GPS to tell the CG my position. The CG had me count to 10 so they could triangulate my position. I actually had to break the dry bag holding my radio because I couldn't untie the stupid knot I tied to hold it to the boom. Which brings me to....
3) Just because a radio is submersible does NOT mean it floats!! I handed the radio to my wife and she dropped it into the water. I thought it would pop to the surface but realized pretty quickly that our radio sunk. Fortunately, it was after the CG had our position.
4) Finally, put signalling devices onto your vest. We capsized late in the afternoon and could easily have had a situation where one of us is floating alone after dark. We had whistles on each vest but that was it.

What was funny was the next day, we headed to West to replace the radio and guys in the store heard the "pon pon" go out on the CG band. Of course, West had many suggestions on what safety gear we needed. Now each vest has a whistle, radio, mirror, knife, light sticks and a flashing LED. I feel like inspector gadget with all these things on my vest but think I'm ready for just about everything.

Now if I could just learn to splice a line so that it doesn't fail!



Edited by ericweller on Sep 19, 2011 - 09:26 PM.

We have had a number of incidents this year. I'm thinking we need to increase education a bit. Carrying a vhf, a gps, a length of good line, maybe some food and water. The great lakes or any large body of water are no place to get stuck. Also dress appropriately. You might be out there for a while. A fellow sailor just this weekend had his hull open up along the keel. A seven year old perfect h16. I mean go figure. Filled up with water, capsized, could not right the boat without additional help. I have had a mast buckle and a side stay part in years past. You just never know. Think boy scout. Luckily everyone has returned safe this year.

--
nacra inter-18
CNBP
--

ericweller

One other thing to learn. Even if the boat is capsized, you can lower the mainsail. Once the main is lowered, the boat is much easier to right.

--
Daniel T.
Taipan F16 - USA 213
Clearwater, FL
--

amen for the cell phone and VHF...

to throw another option in the list w/lights/whistles, etc...

a scuba safety sausage in each life jacket....

in rain and waves and wind it's hard to SEE someone so you can go back and get them...

http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-117/030750/XS-Scuba-Safety-Sausage--SMB.html

cell phones are worthless if its rough and dry bags leak. Attach a VHF to your vest w/ a lanyard. I'm adding a kayak line/throw bag to the list. We had a MOB type rescue this year where a throw bag would have helped. A skipper on a turtled and mast busted boat would not get in the water so we could pick him up. A throw line would have ensured he stayed close to us. It was SUPER rough. Like 8-10 footers on Lake Michigan.

--
nacra inter-18
CNBP
--

Quote

I had the mainsheet and tried to let go of it as quick as possible, but still sheeted in quite a bit.

may be different with crew on board, but i ALWAYS hold on the main.. let it capsize!... the last thing i ever want to see is my cat sailing away from me.

PS great story/lessons in there!

Kevin219

Quote

i think demasting is like an initiation for cat sailing

I agree. It's really the worst thing that can happen next to sinking.

unfortunately, i disagree... boating is my passion, but it has lots of dangers.

I bleed one way or another most weekends (from sailing), this summer i have blown out a calf muscle (running my wheels up the beach) blown out my shoulder, and probably pickled my liver (not really sailings fault)

capsizing sucks, breaking boat parts is even worse.. but getting cuts, bruises, infections, losing fingers, friends, and worse are all possible.

Last week we had 2 old men in a small boat get flipped from a boat wake... one man survived.
We have had people cut by props.. and bleed out
we have had jet skiers with most of their faces missing
i had 2 jet ski's have a mid air collision about 200' in front of me.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but there are many things worse than a capsize

Quote

Some of us don't have the luxury of sailing with other cats, So I urge all of you to check your anchor pins, bring a phone, and tell someone where you'll be and when you'll expect to be back.

those pins are know to fail, i demasted in the gulf of Mexico due to one on my h18. thanks goodness my pals saw me (way back) and came back. they towed me to a beach and we rigged a g-cat anchorpin that got me home.

i now still carrry my extra h18 pin

PS those typically fail in the middle, where you can't see the threads... it is recommended you change them out ever 2 years or so...

I agree Andrew, death and such is certainty worse than breaking a $27 bolt, but I guess I was referring more to what can happen to your boat. not the crew.

--
Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
--

So what vet do you guys wear to carry all this gear in. I don't sail in the ocean but I still have been wanting to add a knife and such to my vest but it is not really have a place for it. It is hard fro me to find some vest that will fit me. The one I use now only fits because the sides are only adjustable straps but many have a mesh or other materials on the sides that just don't expand enough. I did get a solquist one at the hobie dealer to fit ok and so far it is my fav but I have not bought it yet as it is expensive. Plus I want one or two others that can hold gear as well for my crew/kids.

--
Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
--

To the OP, off topic but why is your tramp so loose?

--
Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

funny what people notice in a picture. i noticed the striking resemblence of the sailor to a popsickle!...and that look you get when the mast decides to come and join you. the first time i met matt922, i was loading my boat at the secret spot and there he was with his boat-horizontal mast and that same look on his face...i must have had the same look when i heard that loud "BANG!". a picture is worth a thousand words, i nominate this one for "best demasting photograph", it has it all- the rescue boat, the crippled cat, the frozen/demoralized captain...you should submit this one to life magazines "the beachcats edition"!

--
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
--

Quote

To the OP, off topic but why is your tramp so loose?

It's not. It may look like it is sagging but that's just because the cross bars are so high above the trampoline sleeve on the hull.

Quote

i nominate this one for "best demasting photograph"

I tried to find a picture of what a demasted Hobie looks like with the sail still up and all, to show my land dwelling friends, but my search came up empty.

--
Nacra 6.0 NA
Ogden Dunes, IN
--

I know this sucked for the OP, but I'm so glad to see threads like this. The first time I took my H16 out, I had a diving knife strapped to my life jacket. When I had my mono hull, I always carried the smae knife and I always found it handy. I'm a boy scout and there was just something I didn't like about being around so much water AND rope.

My buddy, who is new to sailing says saw me and said, "You look like something out of deliverance".

Well, about an hour into our sail, I got hung up in the trap adjustment line with a storm front pushing us hard. I tried to untangle, but it was useless. I grabbed my knife and sliced the rope. Done.

If it weren't for post like this, I might have forgotten to put that knife on. So, thanks for posting this. Now off to order a couple of bolts :)

Oh, and by the way, my buddy just ordered a knife for his life jacket!

That anchor pin on the H18 is a "known" weak point. Take a look a the below links. There is an old and a new design for the pins.

http://www.hobiecat.com/c…hp?f=13&t=14013&start=30

http://www.hobiecat.com/c…&hilit=anchor+pin#p72811

Here is the summary to be able to tell them apart.

Old pins: The threads are groves cut into the diameter of the pin, so peaks of the threads are equal to the pin diameter. You can also see where the thread cutting tool leaves a nick at the top end.

New "rolled thread" pins: The threads are pressed into the pin. The tool presses in and the thread peaks squeeze out. The thread peaks are higher than the pin diameter. The pin diameter also is smaller that the old pins.

Probably worth replacing them when you replace your standing rigging, since well it is part of your standing rigging.....

I keep a VHF radio on a lanyard in a packet on my lifejacket, along with whistle and knife. I use a kayak jacket that has several front pockets.

Glad to hear you cell phone worked in this case. I usually put my cellphone in a waterproof back down in one of the hull ports. I figure it doesn't hurt to have it on the boat, but I count on the VHF for safety.

I never carried safety gear until I started sailing on Lake Michigan, I didn't feel threatened on small lakes. But now I would still carry most of the gear even on small lakes. Except maybe the VHF since there might no be anyone on the other end if the lake is small enough.



Edited by smfinley on Sep 21, 2011 - 12:09 PM.

--
Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
--

So, to have it all in one place, what safety equipment would you folks recommend be on board or on your person when out on a catamaran? What I've read so far includes:

On your Person:
PFD
Light/Beacon
Knife
Scuba Sausage
VHF Radio
Signal Mirror
Whistle

On Board:
Righting Bag
Righting Line
Spare Parts Bag
Food/Water

Anything else?



Edited by motivated on Sep 21, 2011 - 01:30 PM.

--
Karl, Captain of Stayin' Thirsty
2011 Hobie 16SE
Atlanta, GA
--

The full list of "recommended" items as listed in the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters..includes the following plus a few items I've deleted that don't apply (unless you feel you need fuel tanks!!??). I note a GPS is not included...? Along those lines, my Garmin 76 line promises to be waterproof and it floats. Although, I've never tried it.

VHF Radio
Visual Distress Signals
Heaving Line
Fenders
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Mirror
Searchlight
Sunburn Lotion
Tool Kit Ring Buoy Whistle or Horn
Anchor
Chart and Compass
Mooring Line
Food & Water
Binoculars
Spare Batteries
Sunglasses
Extra Clothing
Spare Parts
Alternate Propulsion (Paddles)

there may be other items but this was available so I thought it would be worth sharing.

--
Bert Scott
Niceville, FL
Nacra F18
--

daniel_t

ericweller

One other thing to learn. Even if the boat is capsized, you can lower the mainsail. Once the main is lowered, the boat is much easier to right.

Some might argue that is it easier with he sail up. Primarily when pointed into the wind as the wind will help to lift the mast with the sail.

Plus then you have to raise it again while on the water which can be very tricky.

--
Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
--

Any idea what year the new bolts came out vs the old. Is My new to me old H17 going to have th same issues?

--
Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
--

Quarath

Any idea what year the new bolts came out vs the old. Is My new to me old H17 going to have th same issues?

My standard answer would be to replace all the standing rigging when you get a "new to me" boat. Especially if it has seen salt water. That way you know how old they are. If the boat was cheap and you can't buy new rigging, I wouldn't sail the boat in conditions strong enough to fly a hull, even if the rigging looks good.

I don't know the H17 good enough, but if the shrouds mount in a similar fashion through the hull, then yes I bet it is the same part.

--
Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
--

smfinley

Quarath

Any idea what year the new bolts came out vs the old. Is My new to me old H17 going to have th same issues?

My standard answer would be to replace all the standing rigging when you get a "new to me" boat. Especially if it has seen salt water. That way you know how old they are. If the boat was cheap and you can't buy new rigging, I wouldn't sail the boat in conditions strong enough to fly a hull, even if the rigging looks good.

I don't know the H17 good enough, but if the shrouds mount in a similar fashion through the hull, then yes I bet it is the same part.

I inspected stays and traps lines pretty well and am pretty confident they are in good shape but I didn't consider the eybolts they were connecting to at the time. I plan to pull em all and look at at least now but it would be nice to know when they started using the new ones. My H17 is an 86.

--
Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
--

I bought and old beat H16 at a charity auction for my fiance. I figured it would be a good boat to let her skipper on and in the worse case scenario that it sinks, I am only out $200. We found quickly how important it is to have fresh rigging. She capsized it on the first trip out. When she was righting it, a shroud snapped and luckily she caught the attention of some power boaters and found someone who was happy to help pull her to the dock.

Lesson learned, I bought fresher rigging the next day.

--
Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

Quote

I plan to pull em all and look at at least now but it would be nice to know when they started using the new ones. My H17 is an 86.

The reference I saw in the attached threads said they had been in use for "several years" from the 2009 post. So I would say sometime in the late 2000's, so not likely original equipment on any H18 or H17 you find. Matt Miller also said no need to replace the new ones every few years since the new ones are much better then the old ones.

--
Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
--

ericweller

Now if I could just learn to splice a line so that it doesn't fail!

Eric,
I love the elegance of splicing and do a fair amount of it on my friend's monohulls.
There is no place on most beach cat's trapeze systems that splicing is appropriate. The line is almost too small to splice effectively (as you have seen) and the thick tail that results hinders usability. A bowline and a stopper knot (half-grapevine or figure 8) are all you should need.
Sheet In!

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

For the record, a optical disk (CD or DVD) makes a great signaling mirror and already has a sighting hole in the center. Did I mention that they are cheap? And durable?
So now you have found a use for that Barry Manilow CD you have been too embarrased to throw out!
Sheet In!

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

Quote

There is no place on most beach cat's trapeze systems that splicing is appropriate.

I sail with a guy (catman) who has spliced returns on his trap system. they lasted at least 4 years until they died (well past the frey)

Also guys splice 1mm line for mini boats all the time...

Quote

There is no place on most beach cat's trapeze systems that splicing is appropriate.

dyneema trapese lines are simple to make and much nicer to use ( check class rules for racing)with 4 splices on each line

There are splices all over my boat, and slicing trap lines is fairly common. Bob, I slice 7/64 all the time and it is stupid drunk easy.

--
Philip
--

The splice on the trapeze that gave way when we capsized was a 5mm dynema line that attached the trapeze ring to the shock cord. I found out that a 5mm line will need about 1000 lbs to set the splice. Since I don't weigh near that, the splice slid out of place. If I had used a 2mm line, I would have never had my problem.

splices should be whipped or have a few lock stiches in them to prevent them coming apart

Ooops!
I spoke out of ignorance. I have no experience with the Dymeema lines. Mine are all Dacron, and the work I do for friends is as well. We have old boats and old lines. Even the wine we drink is old, and that part is good.

mummp

There are splices all over my boat, and slicing trap lines is fairly common. Bob, I slice 7/64 all the time and it is stupid drunk easy.

How do you set your splices?

eragon

dyneema trapese lines are simple to make and much nicer to use ( check class rules for racing)with 4 splices on each line

Four splices?

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

Back to the VHF comments for a moment.

I'm a pretty new sailor and had a new to me daysailer purchased from a reputable marina as ready to sail. I picked up the appropriate USCG stuff and was on my way w/ 3 friends. Fast forward 20 minutes and we capsized due to a small crack inside the hull but below the self bailer water level. It seems a flooded binge sloshing from one side to another was too much for 4 people to counter so over we went. I had the VHF (waterproof cobra - the sinking kind) and when we righted the boat I tried to call a family member for help and a tow since we were barley able to keep the gunwales above the water. It was a mess but I was able to right a 17 footer with a flooded bilge / cockpit and cuddy with only 3 people.

Point being... you really need to blow out the speaker / mic to remove the water or it won't work. It seems so obvious now but at the time in a panic it was lost on me. Good thing the iphone was in a waterproof box. Some VFH's have a tone that will shake water from the diaphragm. I also carry a riggin knife / whistle on a break away lanyard around my neck.

Between that and a dismasting at our mooring the Admiral says is has to go...So I got a P16 with her approval

--
Bob Miller
1983 P16 Sail # 7312
"Miller Time" A work in progress; out of the water for 16 years
Barnegat Bay NJ
Beach Cat Lesson #1 - A free cat isn't
Find more Prindles on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/173120656090532/
--

p-16 = best first catamaran...wise move!!! congrads!

--
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
--

Yeah it's going to be a fun rebuild, but since you already took my fav Milwaukee thing, I'm going w/ my next fave Milwaukee export and naming her "Miller Time" which is also my last name

--
Bob Miller
1983 P16 Sail # 7312
"Miller Time" A work in progress; out of the water for 16 years
Barnegat Bay NJ
Beach Cat Lesson #1 - A free cat isn't
Find more Prindles on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/173120656090532/
--

Quote

Four splices?

one splice each end of trap line and one splice each end of adjusting line (attached to trap line)

Quote

Glad you were prepared with the phone and got home safe. I once saw a beachcat get home after a demasting by jury-rigging a mast from the boom and lines, kind of a crab-claw setup.

Today got dismasted about 2 miles offshore in the Gulf. My crew got really nervous and I wasn't real happy. 16-18 kt winds and we got caught in a sudden and brief squall and the shroud snapped. Well I thanks to all of the great posts I have read, we had cell phone, vhf, whistles, and some extra line. We made a jury rig like Damon is mentioning and 2 hours later limped ashore. We saw two boats but who knows what they were thinking.

--
Nacra 5.2
--

you get a gold star for sailing her in and not hitting the "OH S#@T!!" button, damn proud of you captain! there are times to hit the button for sure but if you can sail her in, even better.

--
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook!
bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
--

Quote

Well I thanks to all of the great posts I have read, we had cell phone, vhf, whistles, and some extra line. We made a jury rig like Damon is mentioning and 2 hours later limped ashore.

Strong work!

--
Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
--

You never mentioned why you were demasted, shroud failure, anchor bar, missing ring?

golfdad75

Quote

Glad you were prepared with the phone and got home safe. I once saw a beachcat get home after a demasting by jury-rigging a mast from the boom and lines, kind of a crab-claw setup.

Today got dismasted about 2 miles offshore in the Gulf. My crew got really nervous and I wasn't real happy. 16-18 kt winds and we got caught in a sudden and brief squall and the shroud snapped. Well I thanks to all of the great posts I have read, we had cell phone, vhf, whistles, and some extra line. We made a jury rig like Damon is mentioning and 2 hours later limped ashore. We saw two boats but who knows what they were thinking.

Shroud failure bought last spring. I have to admit we had winds and waves coming out of the south so the limp in wasn't difficult. The hard part was keeping the boom jammed against the front crossbeam. We tied three lines one a back stay and used it as a mast. It only fell about ten times.

--
Nacra 5.2
--

golfdad75:
Good to hear you are back safe. Nice work.
How is your crew?

--
Mooched Beachcats in the past
Time to try ownership with Nacra 5.7
Port Clinton, Lake Erie Islands, Ohio
--

golfdad75

Today got dismasted about 2 miles offshore in the Gulf. My crew got really nervous and I wasn't real happy. 16-18 kt winds and we got caught in a sudden and brief squall and the shroud snapped. Well I thanks to all of the great posts I have read, we had cell phone, vhf, whistles, and some extra line. We made a jury rig like Damon is mentioning and 2 hours later limped ashore. We saw two boats but who knows what they were thinking.

Great job in bad situation. Glad you kept your head and were so well prepared. Good seamanship in the self-rescue, congrats.

--
Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

How To Create Your Signature

How To Create Your Own Cool Avatar

How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
--

My crew probably retired from catamaran sailing. Sore but ok



Edited by golfdad75 on Aug 11, 2012 - 03:48 PM.

--
Nacra 5.2
--

You know that little wire tie that keeps that large shackle on the H16 mast tang from working loose ....well next time out I will be sure to install it....

--
Bill 404 21SE
--

Unfortunately that seems to be a common reaction to potential disaster. I haven't gotten my wife back on the boat since a really bad incident a couple of years ago. I ignored a few things I shouldn't have and ended up in a bad situation.

Bill, wow, I'm sure there's a story there! Good advice that I will take when I reassemble my 5.7 next weekend. I have a roll of 18 ga titanium wire I may use for that purpose, and make some ring dings from also.

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--