Not likely, but possble is you are very, very unlucky.

I would be more concerned about other things that can go wrong (man
overboard, accidental gybe, rigging failure, etc).

You should be able to learn how to cope with those things by taking
some lessons, so I wouldn't be too concerned... however, if you can
convince your wife to take lessons with you, then the instructors (and
her own knowledge) will appease her fears (that is what happened with
my wife when we took lessons together!)

Also, remember to take her out for her first trips in very calm days,
nothing will kill her confidence faster than a bad storm or (in the
worst case you asked for) a lightbolt striking the mast. ;-)


Cheers

Lu


On 27 Aug 2003 09:07:28 -0700, (Matt) wrote:

Hello,
I'm considering buying a sail boat within the next year or so (still
have to learn how to sail one first). I'm looking at a family cruiser
between 28-30 feet long. My wife is afraid that I'll capsize the
thing our first trip out. I just can't believe they make "family
cruisers" able to capsize in normal conditions.

Let's assume I do everything wrong our first time out. I keep the
sail tight while sailing abeam of the wind (sorry about terminology,
still learning), we hit rough water, and a storm starts. Is there any
chance I can capsize?

Thanks,
-Matt