That's kewl. Actually a lot of frostbiting is done in prams, like El
Toros and Sabots. Not sure what the attraction is for smaller
boats--perhaps the reasoning is that a larger dink might take longer
to right after a capsize.

IMHO there are several attractions... less rig-up time so
you spend less time in the freezing parking lot... more
tactical racing over a smaller area, so you can sail races
right in the basin. And it's not a bad reason, being able ot
right the boat more quickly & easily. They certainly have
less stuff to get tangled in.


In 40 degree water hypothermia comes
knocking at your door right quickly.


Not if you're dressed properly.
OTOH it's also possible that the thermal shock of immersion
could cause pretty much instant cardiac arrest... it happens
sometimes. As with much else in nature, human response to
hypothermia follows a bell curve.


Walt wrote:
I think it has to do with the ease of rescue. If there's a capsize, the
RC can pluck the sailor out of the water and then do the same with the
boat - Cape Cod Frosty's are light enough that the class enforces
minimum weight requirement by having the sailor stand on a scale holding
the boat.


Great idea. I also like the minimum sailing weight rule
which includes the crew. Clearly, a boat on these
proportions is going to be very sensitive to crew weight.

DSK