- the modified Mayfly with rolled decks

Bearing in mind the DCA's direction against putting ourselves in the position of capsizing, I needed to know the realities of accidental eventualities. Very patient, very kind and very amused on-lookers at our local sailing club lake, brought out the safety boat, pulled us over and stood by to offer advice and assistance. Surprising, but essential-to-know, lessons were learnt:

1) Curlew inverts immediately and completely. 2) I cannot reach the centreboard from that position in the water. 3) Curlew comes up very easily when the crew can pull the centreboard. 4) I cannot, at the moment, climb back aboard anyway. 5) If not bailed quickly the water o'er tops the centreboard case and reaches a point of no return, she begins to settle bows first.

The buoyancy is just not good enough. I do not think it would sink, being wooden, but it would not be put back into sailing or even rowing condition.

Now I have been advised to get an inflatable bow buoyancy bag, which I shall do pretty sharpish. The rolled decks would probably accommodate an inflatable bag part way but be prevented by the bulkhead in extending the full length to the stern.

I have been offered a course in capsizing at another club, which I shall attend. I need advice from other members on:

how to modify Curlew to prevent her from inverting, how to reach the centreboard, tried methods of climbing aboard for oldies, additional buoyancy.

This was a useful exercise in a calm, warm lake with plenty of help at hand. Had it been Joan and me in rough conditions I doubt we could have recovered the boat without assistance.

In the meantime, caution, remembering to spill the wind if it blusters too strongly, readiness to take advice, not being too ambitious over capabilities and conditions, putting the boat in as safe a condition as possible, the use of common sense must suffice to keep us safe. We, shall keep sailing!

Note: The Mayfly is Peter Glover's Red Witch to Joan Abram's Hwllpe to Curlew.