Ian wrote:
Having recently joined your ranks as a new Dart 15 owner.... well... it's quite old and second hand to be precise, (come to think of it, that goes for the owner too!) I have a confession I feel I must share with you. On my inaugural sail at the weekend, I was guilty of the heinous crime of managing to invert the thing on a rather over enthusiastic gybe. I know this may be difficult to believe to you experienced types but in a rather half-hearted attempt at my defence, I would say that the only cat I'm used to (a few years ago now,) is crewing on a Tornado. Therefore to say I was taken a little off guard by how quick these boats can turn and tip when there's a bit of a blow, is a lesson I can say I have learnt rather quickly ....... oh whilst in self-deprecating mode, did I mention this performance was right in front of the club house - classy, eh?!) Not that I'm planning on doing this regularly, but a question: Has anyone ever aided the mast's flotation via, say a foam filled top section - I only wonder, as I was amazed how quickly it went from a simple capsize to a complete inversion? (Without, I thought, much assistance from myself) I did notice that the weld on the top of the mast isn't watertight, but I would be surprised if that made much difference? Any thoughts - or is it simply down to getting off the thing as quickly as possible to avoid pushing the leeward hull down?
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