[quote=coastrat]didn't mean to be out in the squall, believe me, but was finishin a race when it hit. there was a long list of casualties of boats who didn't finish(torn sails,busted comp tips,shreaded hooters,multiple flippers,etc.). i weighed at the time 240ish and my crew was 260ish so we had some ballast but it was no accident that we were able to finish and sail to the beach. i began sailing at 7 years old with an instructor who was an annopolis graduate and carrier fighter pilot who raced for the naval academy. i took sailing lessons every summer til the age of 13 or so and had much experience with racing hobies, flying scotts, and all kinds of larger monos. my mono experiences made me familiar with the "storm jib" technique. when the winds get out of hand(35kts. and gusting much higher) you point up tight and sail with the jib only. just so happened that that heading was for the finish line. if you try to use your main during these conditions you will definitely flip,rip, or snap something. thats why i don't like mono rigs, get caught in some nasty and you don't have a storm jib. the prindle is so stable and has a small jib, perfect for a storm jib. i told this story months back and lots of people though i was crazy...let them think it! next time we are racing and a squall hits i hope they furl there jibs and flip again while i sail across the line again![/quote]
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