Advertisement
36 | Safety
Shakedown Cruise
As with any new product, it is important that you become familiar with the boat
and all its features. Before long trips, it is important to determine that the boat is
sound. We recommend what we call a "shakedown cruise" when the boat is new,
after shipping or transport and before long trips. This test is typically done in
shallow, calm conditions where you can familiarize yourself with or test the boat
before taking long trips into open water. Things you should check or practice are:
• Integrity of rigging (wires, hull and all components)
• Rudder operation
• Righting the boat from a capsized state
• Drain plug locations to make sure they are properly installed
Righting the Boat
If you tip the boat over, stay with the boat. The boat
will not sink and is easy to right. It is not necessary,
but it is easier, to right the boat when the bow and
the mast are pointed into the wind as in the following
diagram. There will be less wind resistance and
better control in this position.
Be sure the mainsheet is released, then swim around
to the bottom of the boat. Skipper and crew should
climb up on the hull and stand up. Using the righting
line, skipper and crew, pull the righting line that is
against the upper hull and hold the line while slowly
leaning back away from the trampoline. Lean to
approximately 45 degrees for best leverage. As the
mast and sail lift out of the water and the upper hull
begins to drop back into the water, drop down to your
knees, then into the water. Hold onto the righting line
near the crossbar or the crossbar itself near the hull
that you were standing on. This will prevent the hull
from being lifted into the air by momentum, which
could cause the boat to capsize once again. Be well
aware of the hull and crossbar coming down over
your head. Holding the crossbar or righting line will
also ensure that you remain with the boat when it is
righted. Climb aboard and continue sailing.
Advertisement
