A sail for a nine inch hole? Use a cushion or something smaller. You can
position it
over the hole and it will probably hold itself in place.

Democrat: Feel the pain of the shark. It must have hurt its teeth.
Republican: Shoot the damn thing and call the insurance company.
Libertarian: Shoot the damn thing, haul it in, and save it for future
meals.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Wally" wrote in message
...
Bobsprit wrote:
The Boat: Beneteau 39
Conditions: Winds steady at around 13 knots, seas 3-4 feet.

While sitting at anchor, off a small desserted island, you hear a loud
CRUNCH!!! You look to starboard and spot a 18 foot Great White shark
moving off slowly. You glance below and are horrified to see that
there is a 9 inch hole at the waterliine with water rushing in. The
shark has rammed your boat! You run below and begin to stuff the
hole, but water is still coming through fast. You'll need to rig an
external patch. You radio your situation, but help is two hours away.
Back on deck, you quickly spot the large shark fin circling the boat.
You remember reading that the Great White is the smartest shark and
shudder. He's waiting for his meal!!!

What do you do???

Get the pumps going and try to block the hole with whatever is to hand -
cushions, lifejackets, whatever will help to stem the flow.

Get a hold of a spare sail (storm jib, say) and tie some lines to it.

Pass the bight of a line over the end of the boat and work backwards so
that
the bight hangs down one side, passes over the hole, and comes up the
other
side. Draw the line up the other side, keeping tension on the other lines,
such that the sail is pulled down over the hole, and secure.

Keep the shark talking until the feds arrive.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk