Capsize Drills

My son, Chance, and I went on our third sail of the year on Lake Whitney. Yesterday, the second sail, was beautiful and the wind was steady. Today the wind was not our friend.

The wind came in strong gusts and constantly switched directions. We were able to get up to some serious speeds!

The comedy started as we were coming around a large land mass. The wind was blowing hard from astern and we had our sails out to catch as much as we could.

Chance was in front of me when we passed the land mass. The wind was swirling around and caught him by surprise causing his boat to capsize. I was behind and to the starboard side so I turned starboard to avoid him.

The main sheet was too short and tied off so when I let out my sail while turning to the starboard the sail wouldn't get past 70 degrees and the boat kept moving fast.

To make a short story long, the boat capsized. Normally capsizing is no big deal. It happens, especially with a Dolphin. Almost to be expected.

Today was a little different. The wind was still gusting hard, up to 20 mph. The water was a bit cool. I had on a new wetsuit that was too small. Those are my excuses.

I righted the boat only to have it capsize again. The wind was catching the sail and every time it sat up the boat rolled on over. I did this drill five times. By the time I got it upright and fell into the cockpit my arms were jelly-like. I was whipped!

So, I will periodically do capsize drills! Oh and today I replaced the main sheet with a longer one, and probably won't wear the wetsuit again. I can't do too much about the wind except sail better.