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. 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?

Thanks,
Bob Bramble

Ease sheets, haul on reefing lines. Wake up! pay attention, reef
early. There are no plumbers at sea, Billy, and no excuses, neither.

Twenty lashes for you, Billy!

Do you have a "Competancy card?"

Jeeze the cops around here wear jackboots in their zodiaks.
Probably don't know what "heave to" means, though they yell it at
powerboats all the time.

They don't dare say it to a sailboater. Imagine if you can a bullet
head just upwind and abeam saying "Heave to!" while brandishing a
gun. Whatta ya gonna do? Helm hard over, one sunk zodiak, or an
attempted murder charge, or bullet holes in your sails? Disobediance
of a lawful command?

Or act stupid and toss over two beers?

Stupid human tricks, eh?

Terry K