Downwind illusion . . . .

larry steffen (lsteffen@webtv.net)
Thu, 3 Jun 1999 23:55:35 -0700 (PDT)


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Curt - If you don't have a digital knot meter on our new boat, 'tis the
neatest item you can have! You will find it handy to show your actual
speed thru the water on different points of sail.

Downwind sailing is really an illusion since you have little sensation
of speed (no wind/spray in face) AND therein lies a big danger! It is
the most dangerous point of sailing! I'm guessing you do NOT have a
backstay on your boat, but for those of us who do, there is also always
a risk of an uncontrolled jibe, where the end of the boom lifts, swings
to the other side, hangs up in the backstay and with stiff winds and a
steep swell/chop the boat may lay over and can turtle.

I don't want to alarm you but I think I met my maker when caught in
Santa Barbara Channel in full gale in 1982, mast came down and I
survived the worst nightmare seas one can imagine. And I have always
edged on "extremely catious' in all sports!

Our beamy little 19' boats have alot of initial stability up to a 90
deg. layover (good news), but add a swell/chop and they can "trip" on
their own hard chine (bad news) and go "flop!" into a 180 upside down
position AND in this position, they NOT self-righting boats without MUCH
effort by a larger craft (USCG). A sad incident off Ventura in 1982 with
an HMS 18 was exactly the above, and two young engineers lost their
lives (left young families). Their Potter (HMS 18) was found bottom
side up with C/board secured and extended as it should of been. The
rudder was gone (never found) which I suspect floated up out of the
helmsmans' hand (while they were having a great dow-wind run) causing a
quick and violent roll/broach. With no way to climb upon the overturned
hull (no hand holds), they both experienced hypothermia and drowned.

Because of the above incident, I now always carry a 'sea anchor' and am
not afraid to drop sail and slow my boat down if I am moving too fast in
a following sea. In one situation on the backside of Santa Cruz Island,
off S/Barbara, CA I even ran my motor in reverse to stay on the backside
of the waves (while running!) to keep boat under control and avoid being
"pooped" (steep wave breaks into cockpit, filling it) . Also, I never
let a inexperienced friend handle the helm in bad lake or sea
conditions (another story behind that!).

You will develop a "unique feel" for the helm of your boat, which could
well save everyone on board in a bad situation. Practice solo sailing
in windy conditions and seek advice others to gain confidence. Your
experience with Hobies is an asset! And race your Potter! I did for
many years and it helps you to become "one with your boat" and the
Potter will become an "extension" of your body, much like a bicycle!
This is when the fun starts! Hope this is helpful!

Fair winds , , , ,

Larry of Monterey Bay, CA
HMS 18 #35 YUUKI