Avoiding journeys "down the mine"

[Jaycb]

As some of you know, my girlfriend and I have recently bought a Dart 15 and are looking forward to many an afternoon of sailing. The thing is, my dearly beloved has only had experience of the tame Dart 16, which, so far as I've been able to test, can't be pitchpoled... but of course the Dart 15 & 18 are different beasts altogether. So, not wanting to put poor Ola off at the first hurdle, does anyone have any tips on how to avoid the dreaded nose-dive in general non-racing sailing please?

[Bob Carter]

Hi Jas,
The best advice is to sit well back if you are on a broad reach in a blow(get one leg over the rear beam hump). If the bows start to bury you must react quickly to point up (tiller away from you) before the rudders come out of the water. Once the rudders are out of the water you have had it, but the boat responds quickly even with only a small bit of rudder in the water. Other things to think about:
1) Read the tips on this website. Print out the top 4 and read them from time to time. Sailing in a blow is quite useful on this aspect.
2) Think about attending one of our teach-ins (look at events/2008 for details).
3) After a bit of practice it's a doddle. Like riding a bike. After a while you will react without thinking.
Best of Luck
Bob

[Robert]

Hi Jas

If, like me, you panic easily then try having the mainsheet in a bit more than usual on a windy run. If you get an extra strong gust or dig into the back of a wave a bit then you can let it off sharpish. About half an armful should do the trick. It comes naturally to those of a nervous disposition or who are highly stressed! Be sure to pull some back in again for use in the next emergency...