Re: Defending the 19

hlg@pacbell.net
Mon, 6 Sep 1999 11:42:31 -0700


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> It was with some misgiving that I started reading the postings that
>"flamed" the Potter 19. Mine not due to be delivered till next week!
>But I am pleased with what I read. My question is...regarding the safety
>issue (I'm a chicken sailor) what things would you wiser salts recommend
>I upgrade to immediately (besides my skills and hours on the water :-} )
> Thanks by the way, for all the great imput regarding the roller furling
>issue. I think for now I'll get a working jib and wait on the roller
>furling. , I tend to sail in heavier, rather than lighter winds and see
>no need for the larger Genoa at this time.

Gretchen:

I don't have a P19, but I've had my P14 for 29 years, have been in the
Potter Yachters since its inception in 1978, and have been on this mail
list since its start several years ago. In that time I have only heard of
one instance of a P19 capsizing and "turning turtle." In that instance, an
inexperienced sailor, on his first outing in his new P19, and with family
aboard, sailed off a beach with the keel up, sails raised, and mainsheet
cleated. The boat immediately rolled over. It was frightening for the
occupants, but there were no casualties.

Since the daggerboard keel is lifted straight up, the center of gravity is
raised much more than raising a pivoting centerboard or swing keel. It's no
problem with sails down, but it is probably a good rule to always lower the
sails (or at least unsheet them?) before raising the keel. With the keel
down, the boat is apparently extremely stable and very difficult to
capsize, from all accounts I've read.

If you can reduce sail area easily, it will greatly increase your safety
and comfort level in stronger winds. Install a downhaul line so that you
can lower the jib from the cockpit and I presume you ordered jiffy reefing
for the main. By the way, the downhaul line needs to be secured after
lowering the jib. Otherwise the jib may launch itself back up the stay when
you turn into the wind.

A P14 is easier to capsize than a P19, but I've been able to avoid that
experience so far.

Have fun with your new boat. Try to start your first sails in light winds
so you'll have time to get used to the boat before things get lively. Make
everyone wear PFDs.

Harry Gordon
P14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA