[quote=catjunkie]Oh my goodness! I recently had my first capsize (solo!) but it wasn't anything near as bad as that. As long as everyone is okay it's just a great story. I also completely agree with you about the adventure aspect - the good stuff doesn't happen on the couch.
I was quite apprehensive about capsizing and it happened SO fast. That moment when I realized I was actually going over was pretty tense. I quickly got the righting line over the hull and leaned out, right out on the very end of the dagger board. Nothing. I uncleated the main, traveler and jib, tried again. Still nothing. Tried to radio the club but on weekdays no one is there. Also no one on the water. Hmmm. Due to the windage of the tramp I start drifting slowly towards the rocks about 1km away. However, the water is warm, the sun is shining and I'm not hurt.
I try for about 20 mins to right it (F18) on my own and radio someone at the club. No dice. At this point I've been blown about halfway in towards the rocks and am getting a bit nervous. I issue an all stations request for assistance on the radio. Not an emergency but still - I need some help. The CG respond but the police are closer. After another 20 minutes they show up, lift up the end of the mast and I'm up.
Not a scary experience but sobering and a bit embarrassing. Now I have the large righting bag onboard and I'm eager to try it. I was a bit amazed that I could float along with the boat on it's side for so long. I guess I thought the weight of the sail/mast would eventually turtle the boat, but it didn't.
Cheers, Duncan[/quote]
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