<< On one or two occasions, on a
lake with fluky winds, I've been knocked over by a gust or windshift to
what felt like at least 60 degrees >>
Another point here, that Harry is probably so used to, he forgot to mention,
is that you do not cleat the main sheet when the wind is blowing. If you're
hand gets tired or sore holding the line, and you cannot keep it out of the
cleat, you'd better keep the line in your hand so that you can release it
immediately. If you are sailing and a gust hits that makes you feel
uncomfortable, simply letting go of the sheet will immediately right the
boat. Everything I've read about sailing the Potter refers to not letting it
heel more than the 10-15 degrees Harry mentions. 10 degrees is plenty.
There seems to be just a few things that people who have gotten into trouble
have in common:
1. Centerboard not completely down.
2. Main sheet cleated.
3. Moving about and/or standing on the cabin top or fore deck.
4. While standing, using the mast or side stays for balance.
If you do any one of these things, you're taking a chance. Do two, and
you're in imminent danger. Try three at the same time and you'd better be
wearing a wetsuit. This is in no way a shortcoming of the boat. In any sport
that entails a certain amount of risk, it is up to the participant to be
cautious. Skiers must make certain their bindings are funtioning, sky divers
must know how to manually realease their chute, scuba divers carry a spare
air source. It's up to the user to use these safety features properly. The
equipment cannot be held responsible if it is not used as designed.
Geoff
P-15 Lollipop
N. Lake Tahoe, NV