The dimensions of the pic and video were skewed so the boat looked wider than it is. Turns out to be a good friend.
J
the story/video were certainly lacking in details.
As Jeremy said,
not good for business
But to put it in perspective... how many cat sailors need life saving assistance anually... compared to lets say.. motorcyclists or bicyclist? or scooter(ist).
To bad the
NEWS
doesn't relay that in general.. Sailing is MUCH safer than.. say.. driving to the beach.
Getting separated from the boat is a big deal.... its why everyone should hit the pool and do a couple laps from time to time.
During our only capsize in the T500, Bailey got separated from the boat... luckily he's strong as an ox and was able to swim fast enough and grab a batten string (yeah, I'm not kidding) to get back to the boat before I pulled myself on the hull to throw him my safety line.
I think we all need to decide what
survival conditions
are. For me, 20 knots qualifies.
survival conditions
are. For me, 20 knots qualifies.
Depends on the boat. On the 5.2 solo, 20 knotsis definitely survival conditions. The Stealth is manageable up to 25. Up to 30 is survivable, enough to get back ashore. More than 30 are survival conditions: turtle the boat, wait for the gale to pass...
i sail in 20-25. it is hairy but i wouldn't call it survival mode (until something goes wrong)
That sailor is a very accomplished sailor and regularly sails in 25 on sf bay. He just had a bad day.
Getting separated from your boat doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the conditions.
Or your experience...
Guess they were sailing by themselves?
Otherwise, someone would have pulled up and offered assistance, no?
He was the only beach cat yes, but there were more boats that were in the area, Just no one on radio or saw it happen.
He was one of only a handful of sailboats on the bay. Sailing with 1 crew in 18-25, pitched, and got separated from the boat. Tried to catch it, couldn't. Called coasties on VHF 16 from his handheld VHF that he had stowed in his PFD. Took a little ride in the coastie chopper and asked to be dropped off at his boat so that he could right it and sail it home. It was against the coastie regs, so he was taken to port.
Crew was rescued by local harbor patrol. Skipper hitched a ride back out to the boat, righted it, and sailed in.
J