Dear Joan,

There were at least four capsizes by boats attending DCA rallies in the 1992 season. In three of these cases the boats were well prepared and helmed by highly experienced skippers, who simply righted their boats and carried on, but in one case assistance was required. All these were semi-lightweight boats but no boat is immune from a capsize.

It follows that DCA recommendations should include realistic buoyancy testing, which should be at least as rigorous as that required for racing. Of course one is much more likely to capsize when racing, but the racing boys have rescue boats in attendance, whereas when cruising we may never be seen, let alone rescued.

I therefore suggest an addition to the DCA recommendations on the following lines: ‘Skippers and their crews should check that their boats can in fact be righted after a capsize, at the same lime checking the integrity of buoyancy compartments, locker seals and buoyancy fastenings. Such a check should be carried out at least once, and preferably at the beginning of each season.’ Reference should be made to checking procedure, for which I tentatively suggest: ‘Boats should be capsized with mast touching the water for at least five minutes on each side, with the crew (weight made up to 250 lbs, if necessary), and full cruising gear (or equivalent weight — at least 100 lbs). Boat should then be righted by the crew and remain upright but flooded for a minimum of ten minutes, the water level being less than knee height. Finally any buoyancy compartment should be checked for leakage, which should not exceed one gallon overall or half a gallon in any one compartment.’ I repeat, this wording is only a suggestion.

Of course DCA Boat Safely Recommendations are not mandatory, and it is for the member to decide which of the DCA Recommendations is suitable to his/her own case. (Maybe we should state this in the advice?). Nevertheless I feel strongly that we should be seen to be making safety recommendations which are realistic and adequate by modern standards.

Len Wingfield

P.S. Perhaps I should disclose that I was one of those who capsized last year. I was in my 14 foot Leader, carrying full sail in light airs to try and avoid a severe thunderstorm, but was hit by a sudden and extreme thermal gust. I let go the jib sheet, then the main, meanwhile sitting right out, but she still went over. From experience, I doubt whether it would have been any different had I been in an average heavy dinghy, or even if I had been reefed. Fortunately I had earlier that season checked the disposition and integrity of my buoyancy, and I had secured all my gear before sailing. Consequently the boat started righting before I reached the centreboard, and I clambered back into the boat without even getting my feet wet. Out of bravado (and to avoid losing my nerve) I gibed the flooded boat round to collect a spare bailer which I carry loose in the boat, then sailed on, bailing dry meanwhile, safe but shaken. No doubt some of our readers will write in explaining how they would have avoided this situation, but it is easier to be wise after the event than to take the right action under stress.