SJ23 Heel

[Bob Schimmel <bschimme@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

How far can an SJ23 heel before "all hell brakes loose".

I just had a very nasty experience this weekend when a squall front hit
me like a brick wall and I couldn't lower the mainsail.  At the time my
working jib was sheeted in for a close reach.  I was alone and it was
all I could do to stay in the cockpit.  The deck was nearly vertical as
I was balancing on the leeward side of the cockpit, hanging on to the
windward toerail.  Believe me, it was not an experience I want to
repeat.  I have been on a knockdown on a Yamaha 38, but this was far
more violant.  Now I know what they mean when you read those stories
about capsizes; and you wait for, what seems like an eternity, the hull
to stand up again. 
I was only shook up and the good ole SJ suffered absolutely no damage. 
Why the rig remained standing is something to thank Dan Clark for I
guess. 

The crazy thoughts that went through my mind at the time were the
comments about if an SJ23 would float, which I rather doubt.  Amazing
what can go on in your head!!!!!

But the question I ask is: how far will she go over and still come back
up?

Bob Schimmel
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Canada
San Juan 23 Internet Fleet:   http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/5492/
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