[quote=boatswain2pa]I dumped my Hobie 18 this weekend as well. I was driving from the wire, had a 12 yo passenger who was hiking out on the wire. Winds were 20 with gusts to 30, and I was out with a buddy on his Hobie FX, and another buddy on his F-27 corsair. We were SCREAMING across he lake, and was almost back to the cove when, while flying the hull, we were hit by a strong(er) gust and over she went. Kid didn't give me enough weight to get it back upright, so I got the (adult) crewman from the FX and we got her up.
Sailed her into the cove and made myself a couple of Hobie Brews to help with the aches and pains from my Hobie bruises.
Some unsolicited advice:
1. Don't bash the Coast Guard. You were on a sailboat, no indication that your life/limb were in danger, and they were a long way away from you. I believe the closest rescue station would have been Station Cape Charles 15-30 miles north of you. They may or may not have launched, but issuing a UMIB (Urgent Marine Information Broadcast) asking anyone who is already in the area to help is a good idea. Trust me, in areas with lots of recreational boaters, they can't launch for every small boat sailor who gets knocked over. But they will launch if they get word that you are actually IN trouble.
2. Don't sail small boats like Hobies alone in moderate (or above) weather, or that far from shore.
Hobie 18's are amazingly capable boats for their size. The only reason I was knocked over is because I was driving it on the edge before that gust hit. This is only the 4th time I've knocked her over, and I sail her pretty hard.
Good luck![/quote]
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