Jeff wrote:
I agree, not having had a major disaster I can't recall a "worst"
experience. Your dismasting reminds how fine the line is between
exhilaration and depression sometimes is. One of my most exiting rides
was on an IOD, crewing for the fleet wizard in Marblehead, when the wind
gusted up from 20 knots to 30 during the spinnaker run. We had a great
ride, but the fleet behind us got hit just a they popped the chutes and
several got dismasted. Their problems gave us the advance warning we
needed to prepare.


Sounds like that might have been somebody else's "worst
sailing experience" that day. You're right about a little
warning making a big difference, too.




... I got a
call from friends that had had their worst ever experience during the
hurricane, almost losing the boat in a small harbor in Nova Scotia, and
they needed my help to bring the boat back from Maine. I threw clean
cloths in my bag and grabbed the next small plane Down East. The sail
back was uneventful, but the ear infection meant that I was low grade
sea sick the entire time.

Ouch!

I was unable to go forward for fear of
falling off. I have little recollection of the trip other than sleeping
in the bunk and felt I was more of a burden than a help. My friends, of
course, say that they never could have done it without me, and consider
that return trip a bright spot in their vacation. Everyone has a
different perception of events!


They were having fun playing pranks on you while you were
asleep.

It may be that the extra pair of hands in the cockpit were
welcome and your presence gave them renewed confidence.
Makes a BIG difference especially after a crisis.

DSK

DSK