raisehull wrote:
Now, if the boat has "Turtled",,,,,,,,,,, it is game on..........
I disagree. My boat has turtled many times and never have I had difficulty righting it, and have deliberately turtled my boat just to make righting easier in high winds.
Step 1: Loosen jib and main sheets, and traveler.
Step 2: The righting line should be routed from the dolphin striker, under the windward hull (underwater), then across the bottom of the boat back to the leeward hull. Then you get to do the slippery balancing act of standing on the leeward hull while pulling. Use the righting line to pull the top of the mast up so it points into the wind and to a capsized position. This is made easier as the wind pressure gets under the trampoline.
Step 3: Keep pulling and the wind on the tramp will help right the boat, but as soon as the wind gets under the sail get ready to jump for the windward side!
That's that.
When righting from a capsize it is very important to point the bows at least 45 degrees into the wind. I do this in one of two ways:
1. Swim to the bow and hold on as a sea anchor, and sometimes swim the bow if I'm in a hurry, while the wind weather vanes the boat into position.
2. Swim to the top of the mast and do the same as #1. I'll do this step if the boat may turtle, keeping in mind that I'm wearing a life vest as added buoyancy.
All the above is dependent upon the #1A step of making sure the mast is sealed. If it takes on water then you're toast. One way to test for leaks is by dunking it in the lake before stepping it. Seal the spots where you see bubbles.