After capsizing

   I capsized my dart for the first time this weekend. I managed to get her upright after a few goes; now that I have done it I’m sure I could do it easier next time. When I went over I fell on to the sail which caused the bottom 3^rd or so to pull out of the luff grove on the mast. This wasn’t too much of a problem this time as I was just coming in but if it was any other time then it could. Now my question is would you just go to the nearest land able shore and drop the sail and re-hoist or just do it afloat. I sail on Southampton water/The Solent.

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Owenfackrell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 19 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Owenfackrell Report Post Quote Reply Topic: After capsizing Posted: 02 Jul 12 at 11:14am
	I capsized my dart for the first time this weekend. I managed to get her upright after a few goes; now that I have done it I’m sure I could do it easier next time. When I went over I fell on to the sail which caused the bottom 3^rd or so to pull out of the luff grove on the mast. This wasn’t too much of a problem this time as I was just coming in but if it was any other time then it could. Now my question is would you just go to the nearest land able shore and drop the sail and re-hoist or just do it afloat. I sail on Southampton water/The Solent.

Neptune Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jun 09 Location: Berkshire United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1314	Post Options Post Reply Quote Neptune Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jul 12 at 11:24am
	you need to develop an dive aft of the sail...you were probably lucky that it pulled out the track, as the alternative is you going through it. I would imagine a multi with two people should be able to re-hoist afloat....If it was a singlehander i would expect you to have to make for shore if there was any real sea state
	Musto Skiff and Solo sailor

ASok Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Sep 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 739	Post Options Post Reply Quote ASok Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jul 12 at 3:24pm
	Glad you got it back upright ok. Its good to knock them over once in a while and remind yourself thats its not that difficult to right. I'd suggest that if its just pulled out slightly, then sail in and sort the main out. I guarantee that if you drop it afloat with the intention to put the sail back up then it will play up and cause you hassle. The hook and eye system on the Dart main and jib is a neat idea, but think of the amount of times putting the sails up has caused you grief on dry land and imagine if you want that whilst drifting over the shipping lane in front of the red funnel!! There are loads of beaches for a quick stop, so I'd do that. How is your main? Is the bolt rope a bit worn? That may be why it pulled out? Might be worth dropping in to a sail maker to get it checked out

Owenfackrell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 19 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Owenfackrell Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jul 12 at 3:36pm
	The red funnel passed me as it happened. I think alot of it is to do with waiting a bit longer a, for her to swing into the wind and b, for her to actually come up. My main was with Grant Piggott over winter and he didn't mention the bolt rope as needing doing. I did manage to twist and land back first onto it.

ASok Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Sep 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 739	Post Options Post Reply Quote ASok Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 02 Jul 12 at 9:35pm
	It does take a bit of patience with the Dart! I'm sure the bolt rope is fine. They would have probably mentioned it. The other thing to look at is the track on the mast. The groove can be a bit too open sometimes and might allow the sail to pop out. That is easily resolved by pinching it back closed a bit with a good set of grips. Obviously don't close it up too much otherwise the sail will stick when hoisting. Happy sailing - very jealous of you being out on the water. My boat hasn't got wet since Feb.....the joy of working overseas

Fitzer Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 04 Jul 12 Location: Rep. of Ireland Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fitzer Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jul 12 at 12:51pm
	Hi Owen, It hasn't happened to me yet, but from experience on other cats you need to haul the sail up a bit, swivel the mast sideways so that the lock at the top[ if there is one] lets go of the ring or whatever is being held, and the sail is free to come down. Aternatively, capsize the cat again and swim out to the end of the mast and release it from there.. Shoreside away from your launching site is not always hospitable, and better not waste time, or take a chance on it.
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