[Fwd: capsize]

Ted Duke (tedduke@usa.net)
Sun, 18 Jul 1999 15:41:12 -0400


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Rob,

Re your question on what the P19 does when BLOWNOVER, I am
resending my tale which might interest you and others new to
the Potter.

Ted Duke
WWPs19 #626
Mountains of Virginia

"Those of us who survive may have done so by learning from the
mistakes of others (or ourselves)! <G>" {anon <BG>}

Ted Duke wrote:
>
> JackM,
>
> I don't know anythng about the P14/15. I am a novice and
> only have experience with the P19 (short mast). IMHO with
> the 310# keel down you will not capsize in any weather
> conditions in which you should be sailing. I use my keel
> pins, but even without them if the keel is down I believe
> it is unlikely you will turn turtle.
>
> In my beginner days, 30 seconds before I became a novice
> <g>; I encountered a sudden storm (read wasn't paying
> enough attention) which caused very high winds and a 90
> degree wind shift. I was lowering sails and had the
> mainsail sheeted in to make it easier to take it down.
> The wind laid us over, but when we reached the "I'm scared
> to death point and can't move (70 degree heel??) the wind
> would spill and we would bob back towards upright. Did
> that several times before I could get to the stern and
> release the mainsheet. I learned a lesson about sheeting
> in the main while lowering it in windy conditions. I also
> gained the experience of learning that the Potter 19's
> heavy iron keel does what it is supposed to do. Freinds
> who sail indicte that in may other similar boats I would
> have been swimming. Actually floating in my lifevest as I
> am not an olympic swimmer. <bg>
>
> The above opinion does NOT mean that I won't careful. In
> means that I don't expect the Potter 19 to turn turtle
> anywhere I will be sailing it. I am SURE that other
> opinions will be forthcoming. I wouldn't be hesitant to
> recommend the P19 to anyone.
>
> Ted Duke
> WWPs19 #626