Thank you, Matt. That is exactly what I thought.
I didn't want people thinking it was a good idea to disconnect their mast when their boat is turtled.
All you have to do is put your boat in the water without the mast and try to capsize it, and I can't imagine being able to do that. And, as you said, the boat is even more stable when it is upside down.
G'day Rolph I got a waterproof mobile phone cover from Rick and it works without taking the phone out you can see the number your dialing ( I set a preset to the rescue tower etc ), you can push the buttons and you can clearly hear/be heard through the material.
highly recommended regards
Having been on the rescuer end of things for a long time, I would like to say that pretty much every Harbor Patrol Boat (USCG Boat, station etc.) in the US has a Radio Direction Finder on board that will home in on your VHF's signal. That's a direct connection between the agency that is on the water plucking you out.
With a cell phone, at least here in CA, if you dial 911 you get the Highway patrol, then they call they local authorities, then they call harbor patrol, then they call the USCG.
I think the VHF is much more efficient, therefore a safer option.
This poor fellow was either a moron or somebody told im it would be possible to right a 5.8 solo without assistance! <img src=
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I can easily right my boat solo but still carry a phone in a see thru plastic pouch in case of catastrophic failure (this does not require removal when in use) in my vest pocket or on a lanyard around my neck with the number of the rescue tower, chase boat etc. pre-programed. Absolutely no reason to Dial 911! I can also call my wife and tell her that I'm safe so she doesn't need to worry (or call out the coast guard for that matter!). <img src=
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In comparison, these days doing a random May Day over the VHF is extremely limited option . <img src=
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I carry a handheld ICOM. It works well and has good range.
To be honest, I carry both a radio and cellphone. It never hurts to be over prepared.
I was on a big boat at this Davis Island Thursday night race and saw this blue cat drifting capsized when we were in the last start. The wind was about 8, and he was 1/4 mile downwind from the RC, trying and obviously failing to right himself: the situation with this cat did not appear to be dangerous. No signaling/waving/indication of distress by the skipper was apparent. It appeared that the RC could and would assume the rescue momentarily, if necessary. He did. (I have done this NUMEROUS times as RC, when the chase boat was occupied, missing or broken.) The RC could have requested any one of several racers to assist, including us.
BTW- It is critical that every cat sailor SEALS HIS OR HER MAST with a $5 tube of silicone before sailing or racing. Tell your novice friends, and careless racers, please. We used to have sailing clinics and boat inspection every spring, back in the day.
Skippers Meeting? I don't know if the club has one on Thursday nights. Maybe they should.