Photos and Story by Sean Mulligan
"Whenever I take a new "non-sailor" out for the first time I give them a brief explanation about how the boat works and why it won't turtle. At least not in the kind of conditions that are ever going to be found on any inland lake I am sailing. Yes, a huge wave could cause the boat to roll over but that's not going to happen except on a huge body of water (ocean or great lakes stuff). The more the boat heals the more it de-powers its own sails and the more it heals the more the center of gravity is moving towards the other side thus trying to right it. I have always been comfortable with the idea that the most I am ever going to see is a knockdown where the sails are flat on the water. The wind cannot possibly push the sails beyond 90 degrees and the center of gravity is then way out to the other side of the boat because the weight of the keel has been pivoted so far to the other side. At a 90 degree angle, theoretically the sails are "knife edge" to the wind and have no further push. Ease the sheets, head up, and she's gonna come back up. In real life 90 degrees would suck cause you are gonna ship a lot of water but with only a main an jib I don't see any way that you are going to be there for anything over a moment." And a side note, Jason was at the tiller while Sean was hanging over the side and holding onto the bow pulpit in order to get these fantastic shots.
Visit Sean's Web Site for lots more information click [here]
Home
What a Heel
"Monday, February 23, 2006 my bud Jason showed up in the backyard
(AKA Boatyard) and told me we were going sailing in his M17, he'd be back in 20
minutes to pick me up. It did not take to much arm twisting to convince me and get me to put down my paint roller. So, while the East Coast folks were digging out of the year's big blizzard, well... Arizona may be hot in the summer, but we have our good days!"
(AKA Boatyard) and told me we were going sailing in his M17, he'd be back in 20
minutes to pick me up. It did not take to much arm twisting to convince me and get me to put down my paint roller. So, while the East Coast folks were digging out of the year's big blizzard, well... Arizona may be hot in the summer, but we have our good days!"
Click on photo to enlarge
Flatter may be faster - But this is a hoot!
Home
