I cannot imagine an M15 going turtle and staying that way if the sailor has had the presence of mind to let go the tiller and release the main sheet. I've been knocked down in both a 15 and 17, shipping many gallons of water over the combing, yet both boats righted themselves immediately, with me clinging wide-eyed to the opposite combing... Sailing M boats for 20 years, this is the first time I've heard of an M15 going over and staying that way. I'm sure this sailor is telling it like it is, but geez, this has to be one in a million. tom On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 6:06 PM, Cliff Vaughan <cliff.vaughan@live.com> wrote:
Well from my experience with beach cats it's the sailor landing in the middle of the sail that pushes it past the point of no return, but we were not there to watch it happen. Until he gives more details of what happen, just keep your hand on that main sheet.
From: picfo@comcast.net Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:52:03 -0700 To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Turning Turtle
I was thinking more in terms of a 110 degree knock-down where the boat just keeps going…
Jim M-17 “Spirit”
On Jun 24, 2015, at 5:44 PM, Cliff Vaughan <cliff.vaughan@live.com> wrote:
With the mast intact, sails up there is more than enough resistance from the water on the sails to keep any small boat from righting herself. If the mast is stuck in the mud it will make even harder to right her.
From: openboatt@gmail.com Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:11:58 -0700 To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Turning Turtle
Interesting. I've never heard of an M15 going and staying turtle. Word to the wise I guess... tom
On Wed, Jun 24, 2015 at 4:16 PM, Robert Hall <bert.hall@bell.net> wrote:
Hello All,Unfortunately at 1600 today while sailing alone in blustery wind on the Ottawa River with a reefed jib and full main I learned the answer to a question many of us have asked ourselves.” If knocked down, will the M 15 continue heeling and finally turn turtle?” The answer “yes”. In my case when the gust hit there was no time to steer off, cast off sheets or to take any other remedial action.I was in the water . Possibly had the drop boards been in place the disaster might have been lessened, but I do not know.Any way over I went with both sails set. Fortunately fellow boaters arrived within half an hour and two of us righted the boat as one would a dinghy,bailed a little and got towed back to our club. Drying out will take a while and the teasing will take even longer to fade. This 84 year old has come safely through a nasty experience and henceforth will at least keep the drop boards in place when sailing in gusty weather. A word to the wise.Cheers . RTH.