BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Caught Off Guard by a Squall

wrote:
I was recently sailing in a 38' sloop rigged cruiser. Both the jib and
the main are the furling type.

I was caught off guard by a sudden 35 kt gust than pinned the sails
down hard. I fought to turn into the wind so that I can furl the
sails, but this was a real struggle, as the wind kept pushing the boat
out of irons and over on it's side.

This happened because when you turn into the wind and the sails stop
driving, the boat stops... which means that water stop flowing past the
rudder and you can no longer steer.

... Unfortunately, the sails were not
reefed in the first place. Releasing the sheets helped ease the heel
angle, but caused a real mess as all the lines started whipping around
and getting tangled. Eventually, we managed to furl the sails, but it
was a real scare.

Any advice on what would have been the best way to handle that
situation?

1- don't "release" the sheets, ease them under control.
2- if you have furling sails, haul in the furling line and reduce sail area.

Don't let sails flog, this causes damage. There is also the risk of a
sheet innjuring crew, or tangling on something and yanking it apart. A
35 knot squall isn't really so bad, but it can be a test.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King