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Thank you Matt, Jonathan and Gareth. These are some very useful tips. I have a lot of new things to try next time I'm out in the RS Aero. I'm optimistic that I'll do much better than last time.
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20/08/2022 22:42:00
Greg Griffin
Posts: 6
Practise makes perfect as they say.
On a hot summers days whilst waiting for the breeze and especially if you are getting hot: jump in, swim to the back and give it a go!
Don't try first time in a chop when it's 20+ kn from the NE
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Having had much practice, perhaps more than many I have just a couple of things to add about re-entering the RS Aero:-
Coming in over the transom:-
1. If on the Starboard side be careful of the Rudder Downhaul tidy cleat digging into a wetsuit; it stops full entry completely if it does.
2. If you wear a zipped bouyancy / flotation aid be careful of pressing the zip base on the transom or cockpit side & breaking the plastic. Result zip undoes from the bottom. Mine did and is now stitched up making it an over the head type.
Coming in over the side from in the water a technique I have used is to:-
1 .Grab the gunnel & push self down & boat up, pull self up & boat down to get over the gunnel sufficient to reach the cockpit side strip but keep lower body & legs as close in to the boat as possible to avoid pulling it over. I am just < 70 Kg.
2. Reach for the mainsheet & pull in just sufficient to feel the boat starting to heel to leeward.
3. Keep tension on mainsheet while raising lower body and legs and pulling into boat.
Like all techniques they take practice & forethought. On practice the Aero gives you plenty. On forethought - that is what the Forum's for.
One further: I have found the tiller falling away and the extension jamming the rudder at 90 degrees stops the boat sailing away. Only when at the transom and ready to start entering over the flaps do I centre the rudder.
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Coming in over the transom:-
1. If on the Starboard side be careful of the Rudder Downhaul tidy cleat digging into a wetsuit; it stops full entry completely if it does.
2. If you wear a zipped bouyancy / flotation aid be careful of pressing the zip base on the transom or cockpit side & breaking the plastic. Result zip undoes from the bottom. Mine did and is now stitched up making it an over the head type.
Coming in over the side from in the water a technique I have used is to:-
1 .Grab the gunnel & push self down & boat up, pull self up & boat down to get over the gunnel sufficient to reach the cockpit side strip but keep lower body & legs as close in to the boat as possible to avoid pulling it over. I am just < 70 Kg.
2. Reach for the mainsheet & pull in just sufficient to feel the boat starting to heel to leeward.
3. Keep tension on mainsheet while raising lower body and legs and pulling into boat.
Like all techniques they take practice & forethought. On practice the Aero gives you plenty. On forethought - that is what the Forum's for.
One further: I have found the tiller falling away and the extension jamming the rudder at 90 degrees stops the boat sailing away. Only when at the transom and ready to start entering over the flaps do I centre the rudder.
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19/08/2022 08:36:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 109
Boat angle to the wind doesn't matter too much coming over stern, anywhere from nearly head to wind to beam reach, and the boat will tend to stay there. Mostly it will be somewhat cross wind as you pull the boat upright. You can swim the back round if necessary because you don't want the sail to fill.
Another technique if you have deep water which I use (especially after a windward capsize or when tired) is to deliberately turtle the boat, climb on top (easy with the gunnels) so you can right it mast downwind, but when on top it is easy enough to swing onto the plate (I am no longer nimble or strong enough to do that from the water) and then 'dry capsize style' step in as the boat comes up. If I get tired and find it hard to get in that is my get out of jail technique. You can also takle a breather while on top of the turtled hull. From a windward capsize it is quicker (so long as you have deep water, don't try on shallow lakes).
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17/08/2022 08:32:00
gk.griffiths
Posts: 178
Many thanks to Peter and all the other contributors to the Capsize Corner thread. This is a great resource for new RS Aero sailors. I had my first capsize last week, and had a very difficult time getting back in the boat. After 5 failed attempts, each one ending in another capsize, I finally made it on my 6th try. That evening I read all the postings on this thread and pored over all of the videos, some in slow motion. The only advice I can add for other newbies is to read this thread before your first capsize instead of after it , like I did.
I do have some questions about the transom re-entry approach, though. First, what's the desired angle of the boat relative to the wind? For instance, head to wind, beam reach, somewhere in between? Second, how do you get the hull in that orientation? Do you position it while along the side and then swim aft to the transom, or can you twist the hull around while holding on to the transom? And I assume that you want the sail to be luffing the whole time, with no wind in it like you might do for the over the side re-entry. Thanks.
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I do have some questions about the transom re-entry approach, though. First, what's the desired angle of the boat relative to the wind? For instance, head to wind, beam reach, somewhere in between? Second, how do you get the hull in that orientation? Do you position it while along the side and then swim aft to the transom, or can you twist the hull around while holding on to the transom? And I assume that you want the sail to be luffing the whole time, with no wind in it like you might do for the over the side re-entry. Thanks.
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16/08/2022 13:38:00
Greg Griffin
Posts: 6
Next time I sail I will take a picture.
Also see the Class Rules Section C.6.1.3 (n) Shockcord of maximum diameter 6mm:
(i) for centralising the tiller,
(i) for centralising the tiller,
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15/07/2020 12:09:00
Mike0rea
Posts: 58
"Another top tip is to tie a piece of shock cord from the tiller to the toe straps. This keeps the tiller central as the boat comes up, it is also useful if you stop the boat to sort something out or stop for a drink. When sailing normally you will not be aware of the shock cord.?
Could someone possibly paste a picture of this - sounds like a good idea but can't quite visualise it.
Thank you.
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14/07/2020 17:45:00
Hairsy
Posts: 46
Another top tip is to tie a piece of shock cord from the tiller to the toe straps. This keeps the tiller central as the boat comes up, it is also useful if you stop the boat to sort something out or stop for a drink. When sailing normally you will not be aware of the shock cord.
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14/07/2020 13:35:00
Mike0rea
Posts: 58
If you go in over the transom, the black plastic bits look fragile but they’re not. You can put your full weight them. The thing NOT to do is lean on the tiller. The other thing to remember is as you put your weight on the transom it sinks a bit - which makes getting in easier.
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13/07/2020 07:52:00
David-at-BroadwaterSC
Posts: 42
Thanks, but apart from the toe strap, what are you leaning on or kneeling on to get in. The drainage flaps look quite fragile so I wasn’t sure how to get over them. I am sure it’s just technique either over the side or transom but I just don’t seem to see what that should be from all the videos on here
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13/07/2020 07:30:00
Issy
Posts: 47
I get in the transom. I reach in and grab the hiking strap to pull myself in enough to get my legs in the cockpit.
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I tried to climb over the gunwhales but had real difficulty reaching the grab rail so had no chance of reaching the toe strap. I used to kick off the centreboard on my Laser to help and this did the trick, no issues climbing in. Board a lot further forward in the RS Aero so I cant do that. Tried the transom but wasn’t sure what to lean on, get knee onto or what to pull on. Any help would be appreciated. If it helps I am about 5 feet 3 (and a half) and 53 kg
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12/07/2020 18:34:00
Issy
Posts: 47
Try to pull your body quickly over the gunnel, but as soon as you have hips to the gunnel, swing body and legs parallel over the gunnel, and then roll into the cockpit.
Do not try to pull yourself all the way across the boat.
Especially in lighter winds, a bit of tension on the mainsheet helps.
It gets easier and quicker with practice, after three years I hardly remember going over the back quarter, except after a dip in a total drifter.
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14/06/2019 11:38:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 40
Don, I would suggest putting some shock cord around the the tiller through the aft hiking strap. This will keep the tiller centered when capsized, which prevents the boat from bearing off when entering from the side.
While sailing, the shock cord reminds one that larger tiller movements slow down the boat.
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While sailing, the shock cord reminds one that larger tiller movements slow down the boat.
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14/06/2019 00:44:00
heymatey
Posts: 35
13/06/2019 16:52:00
Djwpe
Posts: 13
Hey Don,
What I usually do to avoid getting the boat coming over me to windwards, I pull in some of the main and bear a bit away to get the sail loaded a bit - enough at least to support and drag me back in. A bit the WaterStart we like while windsurfing... ;-)
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13/06/2019 16:39:00
ArnaudBou
Posts: 13
So I have completely lost confidence after being unable to get back in the boat after a capsize in winds 16-20 with pretty big chop. I had no issues righting the boat, but every time I tried to get back in, I pulled the boat over on myself.
When I tried for the transom entry, the boat would bear off and try to get away from me and make that method untenable.
Any suggestions? I’m planning to do some practice in light air, and sort out issues of life jacket riding up etc.
Don Winston
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13/06/2019 15:48:00
Djwpe
Posts: 13
How to do an Eskimo Roll in an RS Aero
As Storm Hannah swept across the UK 38 RS Aeros ventured out onto Island Barn Reservoir for their Spring Championships.
Jim Champ was on hand to catch the action on camera. After a couple of successful gybes for the camera in between races it all caught up with our stuntman on his 3rd fly-by as gusts in excess of 30kn buffeted across the water.
As the mast had grounded when the boat went near turtle it was not possible to choose to right the RS Aero with the rig to leeward, so a windward righting with an Eskimo Roll was the call.
The Eskimo Roll is a technique for when you are capsized with the rig is to windward of the hull and the wind is too strong for you to be able to enter and cross the boat to the new windward side quickly enough to save the 2nd capsize. In trying to cross over the top you might be able to stay on the hull and daggerboard, but you might also turn it turtle by climbing over if you are not quick enough. (Experiment and practice that in training!)
The rig can often end up to windward during a capsize in a 'wind against tide' situation where the current takes the rig to windward and a strong breeze blows the hull to leeward.
- As the rig starts to clear the water, whether you are in the water or standing on the daggerboard, hold on tightly to the front edge of the board. Holding the front edge will avoid you losing grip if the boat accelerates forward and it will also put you in the right position at the front edge of the board for the 2nd righting. If you can reach and hold the new windward gunwale in time before it starts to right then all the better, as that may then avoid the second capsize.
- As the sail catches the wind on a breezy day the boat will blow upright quickly, let the daggerboard or gunwale drag you under the boat, ready to right the boat with the rig now to leeward. Maybe you can also stop the 2nd capsize.
- Now right the boat normally and as quickly as possible, to avoid the boat blowing to leeward of the rig again.
VIDEO -
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28/04/2019 23:58:00
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
BREEZY BURGHFIELD
The windy season is here so it is a good time to refresh on the 'how to' capsize & recovery library.
Our intrepid new RS Aero sailor in #2285 is having fun getting to grips with a breezy day at Burghfield (UK) last month. Pushing his limits up to and over the edge several times, this provides some nice examples of how RS Aeros can capsize and how to recover.
- When you move to climb back in, move swiftly with a sharp leg kick to lift your weight and help propel you in and across the boat.
- If you roll in to windward on the run and the sail is left in the air then I agree with the method used here of simply going straight for the daggerboard. Allow the boat just enough time to swivel as you right it and the boom will then blow back down on its own. This saves time and helps avoid turning turtle.
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24/10/2017 18:17:00
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
26/05/2017 17:43:10
Phill
Posts: 33
The RS AERO Rigging Manual under the Documents section has the information about fitting the righting lines on page 44
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26/05/2017 16:46:25
Posts: 0
I've just bought the RS righting line kit but there are no instructions or diagram with it. Can you tell me how I can get them? Also I am not sure what method is used to screw to the fibreglass hull.
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26/05/2017 16:35:48
Phill
Posts: 33
Race to Scotland - Capsize Practice
Ken Fowler is clocking up some on the water hours in preparation for his epic Race to Scotland next summer in aid of Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice. He popped out from Christchurch for a quick jaunt across to the Needles and back this week!
Capsize and Man-Over-Board practice is an important feature on his training plan, however, this one was an accident whilst Ken was taking in he scenery!
Nice to see him make such light work of climbing back in the side though and it makes for a good example for this capsize video collection.
Ken reports; "Bit of chilly season training out to the needles and back. So blown away by the beauty of the needles I fell out of the boat! Capsizing at sea in November added motivation to try to get back in the boat quicker!"
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08/11/2016 21:59:20
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
SIDE ENTRY at 230 lbs (16.4 stone - 104 kg)
There is good activity in Texas and Louisiana after they had RS Aeros delivered in August.
Thanks to Dion of Canyon Lake, Texas, USA for sharing his video which demonstrates that at 230 lbs (16.4 stone - 104 kg) it is still possible to re-enter from the side with a powerful speedy pull in and a good well timed leg kick.
Anyone who can not pull in as powerfully could also bob themselves up and down, with their PFD / Buoyancy Aid helping the bobbing. Then pull in on an upwards bob which will help de-weight you (together with the leg kick).
If you can't manage the side easily, just go for rear entry which is easy.
The one he failed on (at about 7mins) the boom had already crossed to his side before he pulled, so effectively he was to leeward. There was no wind to speak of but he still had the weight of the boom and sail his side too.
If there was more wind it would be easier as it would help to counter balance his weight on the pull in.
What a great way to spend a hot windless afternoon mastering that, so he is ready to take on more exciting conditions with increased confidence. A good workout too!
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23/09/2015 00:19:52
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
RIGHTING LINES
An RS Aero rights easily as soon as any weight is applied to the daggerboard, due to the light carbon rig. Sailors with a shorter arm reach have an extra challenge in reaching up to the gunwale to complete the righting.
RS have therefore come up with the simple Righting Line arrangement, which is both easier to grab hold of, and has knots that make the necessary 2nd handhold much easier. A dedicated slightly fatter line with knots is attached amidships and held forward under the gunwale with bungee, but drooping a little for easier reach.
When you are in the water and the boat is on its side simply collect the end of the Righting Line at the bow end. Place your 1st handhold on a knot to assist your putting weight on the centreboard to pull the boat up. The addition of the knots will make the 2nd handhold much easier. This will be sufficient to pull the boat upright until you can easily reach the gunwale.
Here Cathy makes light work of the righting at her first attempt, not bad for a first take! In fairness there was no wind and the boat came up easily. These knotted lines will really earn their keep if ever there is a strong breeze blowing against the underside of the hull and rig, resisting the lighter sailors efforts.
[on a separate note Cathy makes light work of climbing back in amidships here. Remember if you are over 80-90kg, depending on the wind strength, climbing in over the windward side of the transom might be the favoured option. From what I have seen that timely kick of the legs is important.]
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An RS Aero rights easily as soon as any weight is applied to the daggerboard, due to the light carbon rig. Sailors with a shorter arm reach have an extra challenge in reaching up to the gunwale to complete the righting.
By climbing on the front edge of the RS Aero’s daggerboard the gunwale is closer to reach as the hull narrows towards the bow.
The control line tails under the gunwale (original configuration, before tails led over deck as standard) can be closer to reach as an alternative to the gunwale. However, the way that these are tidily held in place under the gunwale lip by bungee can make them less easy to grab hold of. Once a 1st handhold is managed the 2nd is more difficult for those with less grip strength, as the thin control line is then taut under your weight.
RS have therefore come up with the simple Righting Line arrangement, which is both easier to grab hold of, and has knots that make the necessary 2nd handhold much easier. A dedicated slightly fatter line with knots is attached amidships and held forward under the gunwale with bungee, but drooping a little for easier reach.
When you are in the water and the boat is on its side simply collect the end of the Righting Line at the bow end. Place your 1st handhold on a knot to assist your putting weight on the centreboard to pull the boat up. The addition of the knots will make the 2nd handhold much easier. This will be sufficient to pull the boat upright until you can easily reach the gunwale.
Here Cathy makes light work of the righting at her first attempt, not bad for a first take! In fairness there was no wind and the boat came up easily. These knotted lines will really earn their keep if ever there is a strong breeze blowing against the underside of the hull and rig, resisting the lighter sailors efforts.
Well done and thanks to Cathy for braving the icy waters of Chew in January to put these to the test!
The Righting Lines are available as a pack from RS and take minutes to fit.
[on a separate note Cathy makes light work of climbing back in amidships here. Remember if you are over 80-90kg, depending on the wind strength, climbing in over the windward side of the transom might be the favoured option. From what I have seen that timely kick of the legs is important.]
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10/02/2015 12:01:40
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
Hi Gareth, You did well with the 7 at the Bloody Mary. I used the 5 and still had 2 capsizes! Whilst it was extreme, mine were a little careless and faster reactions would have saved them. You have reminded me of a new RS Aero experience however, which I learnt from Moths (just when I thought I had covered it all!);
Boom in the air capsize
If you capsize with the boom in the air and the sail filling my recommendation is ignore it! Go straight for the centreboard and right the boat normally, allowing the boat time to rotate as you do it. The boat will rotate until the boom flops down by which time the rig will by nicely to leeward of the hull and already starting to right.
If you delay and try to start pulling the boom down to the water you run the danger of the boat starting to turtle as the sail is not flat on the water to slow it, which will all take longer.
The 'boom in the air capsize' is one in which inittially the boat can drift more quickly. However it will always go into a rotation and the boom/sail will then flop onto the water, or the boat may turtle.
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16/01/2015 09:57:43
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
Don't have the pics to prove it but had no problem righting at the Bloody Mary. managed both dry and (very) wet capsizes - righting easy and no problem getting in.
(about 75 Kg dry age 60).
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14/01/2015 21:17:54
gk.griffiths
Posts: 178
14/01/2015 00:15:31
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
REAR RE-ENTRY 2
Mike Taylor 94kg
*be careful not to use to tiller to help you climb back in, it is not designed for that.
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14/01/2015 00:13:04
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
REAR RE-ENTRY
Video starring Martin Hewitt of Nottingham at Chelmarsh SC's windless Lift-Off day, Nov 2014.
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14/01/2015 00:09:37
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
SIDE RE-ENTRY
A big leg kick just at the moment you pull yourself in amid-ships is vital.
This must be one smooth movement, without lingering, or the boat will tip to windward.
If you struggle with amid-ships then go for the transom.
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14/01/2015 00:03:09
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
DRY SUNDAY
9/10. Simple, quick and effective!
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A simple dry capsize here but it does demonstrate that you don't always need to be a heavy weight to right a sailing boat - especially an RS Aero with its super light weight mast!
At a mere 40kg the young sailor had plenty of weight to pull the boat upright from either on its side or turtle through a variety of capsizes that day. Importantly, this allowed a degree of self reliance and independence.
At a mere 40kg the young sailor had plenty of weight to pull the boat upright from either on its side or turtle through a variety of capsizes that day. Importantly, this allowed a degree of self reliance and independence.
Our 11 year old Aeronaut had no reach issues on the RS Aero as the side gunwales and cockpit grab rails enabled him to easily climb aboard the turtled hull and also amidships when upright as necessary. The under gunwale control line take ups also act as capsize lines to aid those with shorter reach.
[*With the preference for control lines to now be led over the deck rather than under gunwhales consider fitting capsize lines if necessary]
[*With the preference for control lines to now be led over the deck rather than under gunwhales consider fitting capsize lines if necessary]
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24/11/2014 14:17:03
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
Many thanks to Peter and Alex for an excellent training day at Chelmarsh. The capsize rear entry demo was most helpful although I hope that I will not need to use it very often. Thanks also to the guys at Chelmarsh for their help unloading the boat and making me feel most welcome. Good luck to you all with your new boats
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23/11/2014 06:18:59
skitters
Posts: 20
SOGGY SATURDAY
Here is an example of rear entry.
First climb onto the front of the board, this makes it easiest to reach up to the gunwale as the boat narrows towards the bow. If you don't manage to step on the board and step in as the boat comes upright, then;
Once upright if unable to climb in the side due to there being no wind to balance you or your being too heavy, then go for the stern. The honeycomb flaps provide a good handhold to initially pull up on. As you do, the stern will sink under your weight so the flaps are near the water's surface. Then continue pulling yourself in on the toe straps. A good leg kick will help. Simples!
Video of Peter Barton at Chelmarsh SC's windless Lift-Off day, Nov 2014.
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23/11/2014 00:24:15
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
FEISTY FRIDAY
From Turtle
with the beautiful backdrop of Hurst Castle in the Western Solent!
Again, it is easy to get one hand to the centreboard by pushing up off the gunwale with the other. Then I can step up, knee then foot. With my feet on the widest part of the boat, the gunwale, she rotates quite quickly from the turtle. I miss my chance to stand on the centreboard ready to step in as it comes up, although it looked like I had managed it with a hand on the top gunwale – must try harder! This will make a big time difference if needed in a race.
Quite pleased with the speed in which I climbed in. I can only just reach the toe strap from the water with my reach, but it is still easier and quicker to do an initial pull on the cockpit grab rail first. The hull only heeled to windward a little and this was with a 7 rig for the wind to blow against in balance.
In Tuesday’s video the boat remained well mannered on a broad course whilst the pilot re-boarded. In this clip the RS Aero remains reasonably well mannered on a closer course to the wind. The windward heel whilst boarding helps her not go head to wind. Not too feisty really.
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21/11/2014 15:18:33
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
DRY THURSDAY
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76kg adult helm, Kent Martin, rights a dry capsize smoothly with an RS Aero 9 rig and is quick to get going again. But look at the end, that is all it took for a couple of Aeronaut5s to sneak by on the run.
Now we understand his haste!!!
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20/11/2014 18:45:09
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
WET WEDNESDAY
- He chose to stand on the leeward gunwale which meant bringing the rig up to windward which, in this instance, turned out to be a mistake.
- However, I believe he could have saved the flip by getting a foot up on the daggerboard as the boat came nearly level. With a timely and agile dash over the gunwale and across the boat he could have saved it and had a really speedy recovery!
- He is now back in the water and has to swim around. There is no risk of entanglement around the transom due to the centre mainsheet.
- Pulling down on the daggerboard the first grab reaches the control lines below the gunwales and then the second reaches the gunwales.
- He then goes forward on the gunwales. This does not work as it reduces his leverage as the boat narrows and he lets go.
- On the 2nd attempt he makes light work of reaching the gunwales and pulling the boat flat.
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For today's offering we have a more complex TURTLE example. Here our 60kg Aeronaut, Charlie, is turtle and already on the hull. Easy enough with those gunwales. The bow is almost head to wind, but not quite.
- However, I believe he could have saved the flip by getting a foot up on the daggerboard as the boat came nearly level. With a timely and agile dash over the gunwale and across the boat he could have saved it and had a really speedy recovery!
- He is now back in the water and has to swim around. There is no risk of entanglement around the transom due to the centre mainsheet.
- Pulling down on the daggerboard the first grab reaches the control lines below the gunwales and then the second reaches the gunwales.
- He then goes forward on the gunwales. This does not work as it reduces his leverage as the boat narrows and he lets go.
- On the 2nd attempt he makes light work of reaching the gunwales and pulling the boat flat.
- A speedy climb aboard using the cockpit grab rails (vital for those with shorter reach in a boat of this width) and then toe straps.
Even with the extra time taken he was still happily on his way again 90secs after leaning back on the gunwale. If he had managed the windward righting, a racing technique to perfect, it would have been less than 20secs.
Not bad for a first capsize attempt when he had only unwrapped his boat that morning! There are a few good learning points here and I am sure we will be scoring 8+s at big bad Hayling next month!
Video Starring Charlie Pearce on his first day's RS Aeroing!
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19/11/2014 19:03:43
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
TURN-TURTLE TUESDAY
In any boat test, whether a formal review or simple demo sail, it is important (and fun!) to carry out a thorough capsize test including turning turtle.
Following on from ‘Capsize Monday’ yesterday our Tuesday star, Liam, demonstrates a similar ‘Turn-Turtle’ and ‘Wet’ capsize.
- Hand on the gunwale allows the dagger board to be reached easily.
- Knee and then Foot on the gunwale allows the upturned hull to be equally easily boarded.
- Toes lock into that gunwale lip as gentle leaning back starts to pull the boat onto its side.
- Leaning back on the tip of the board provides maximum leverage. However, as the boat rotates moving down the front edge towards the hull and onto the board, if possible, will save effort later.
- Again, with the light rig the boat comes up very easily. This saves the effort of climbing fully onto the board but provides the alternative challenge of climbing into the upright hull.
- With the mainsail a long way out here the hull does tip to windward – but only so far. An assertive leg kick or double leg kick helps here.
- What is interesting here is that even with quite a bit of windward heel and a broad angle the boat remains well mannered, not choosing to bear away any further whilst its master boards.
- 60kg Liam makes light work of climbing in. The grab rails provide easy access to the toe strap, this is critical for those with shorter reach. Keep the weight low and move inboard.
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In any boat test, whether a formal review or simple demo sail, it is important (and fun!) to carry out a thorough capsize test including turning turtle.
Following on from ‘Capsize Monday’ yesterday our Tuesday star, Liam, demonstrates a similar ‘Turn-Turtle’ and ‘Wet’ capsize.
This time our sailor is properly swimming alongside a fully inverted boat – no short cuts here!
- Knee and then Foot on the gunwale allows the upturned hull to be equally easily boarded.
- Toes lock into that gunwale lip as gentle leaning back starts to pull the boat onto its side.
- Leaning back on the tip of the board provides maximum leverage. However, as the boat rotates moving down the front edge towards the hull and onto the board, if possible, will save effort later.
- Again, with the light rig the boat comes up very easily. This saves the effort of climbing fully onto the board but provides the alternative challenge of climbing into the upright hull.
- With the mainsail a long way out here the hull does tip to windward – but only so far. An assertive leg kick or double leg kick helps here.
- What is interesting here is that even with quite a bit of windward heel and a broad angle the boat remains well mannered, not choosing to bear away any further whilst its master boards.
- 60kg Liam makes light work of climbing in. The grab rails provide easy access to the toe strap, this is critical for those with shorter reach. Keep the weight low and move inboard.
- Grab the tiller and the mainsheet and you are back in the game…
8/10 for 14 year old Liam Willis on his first sail in an RS Aero at the Yachts and Yachting Review, June 2014.
Top day out, Lymington at its very best!
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18/11/2014 21:48:18
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
CAPSIZE MONDAY
At the first ever RS Aero Class training at Queen Mary, Oct 2014, we instigated a capsize frenzy at the end of the day to make sure everyone was fully familiar with their brand new craft. The RS Aero is light, super light, and as such conventional techniques need small variations. As they would when you change between any two boats.
- From turtle, a hand push down on the gunwales enables the daggerboard to be reached.
- With fingers now holding the daggerboad the knees can reach and rest on the gunwales.
- Then the feet can step onto the gunwales. Useful features those gunwales!
- Feet placed on the wide gunwales provides maximum leverage with which to lean back on the centreboard comfortably.
- As the boat comes towards the horizontal use the gunwale lip to help step onto the top of the daggerboard for an easier recovery (Ben misses a trick here, but he knows for next time!).
- Now in the water, Ben starts to pull on the dagger board. Climb on the blunt front edge, next to the hull. Due to the featherlight rig the boat is likely to come upright before you can climb on the daggerboard.
- Reach for the gunwale to pull the boat level. If you can't reach the gunwale you can pull the control lines from under the gunwale instead.
- As the boat comes flat you can hold the boat by the gunwale. By kicking the legs in a twisting motion around the hips you can easily hold/move the 30kg hull at the right angle across the wind, if required.
- The cockpit grab rails provide an initial hand hold to pull on before then reaching the toe strap and anyone with a shorter reach than me (I am 5'10" ish tall) will struggle to reach the toe straps on a boat of this width without them.
- Once you have reached the toe strap you are able to sheet in some mainsheet through your two hands, if required. This will both help to balance your weight and stop the boat bearing away.
- Due to the super light hull you should keep your weight low and move swiftly to the centreline before the boat leans to windward.
- Sailors over about 90kg, or those a little less agile, may find it easier to climb back in over the transom if climbing in amidships tips the lightweight hull towards them. A good breeze will make climbing in amidships easier for the heavy sailor, especially if you can sheet in the main. Simple physics really!
- For transom entry the transom flap honeycombs provide a useful handhold and there are no strings crossing the back to worry about entanglement. It may be necessary to push the tiller to leeward to help keep the boat into the wind.
8/10 for Ben Poe on his first day in an RS Aero. I am confident he will score 9s next time...
Reply
At the first ever RS Aero Class training at Queen Mary, Oct 2014, we instigated a capsize frenzy at the end of the day to make sure everyone was fully familiar with their brand new craft. The RS Aero is light, super light, and as such conventional techniques need small variations. As they would when you change between any two boats.
- From turtle, a hand push down on the gunwales enables the daggerboard to be reached.
- With fingers now holding the daggerboad the knees can reach and rest on the gunwales.
- Then the feet can step onto the gunwales. Useful features those gunwales!
- Feet placed on the wide gunwales provides maximum leverage with which to lean back on the centreboard comfortably.
- As the boat comes towards the horizontal use the gunwale lip to help step onto the top of the daggerboard for an easier recovery (Ben misses a trick here, but he knows for next time!).
- Now in the water, Ben starts to pull on the dagger board. Climb on the blunt front edge, next to the hull. Due to the featherlight rig the boat is likely to come upright before you can climb on the daggerboard.
- Reach for the gunwale to pull the boat level. If you can't reach the gunwale you can pull the control lines from under the gunwale instead.
- As the boat comes flat you can hold the boat by the gunwale. By kicking the legs in a twisting motion around the hips you can easily hold/move the 30kg hull at the right angle across the wind, if required.
- The cockpit grab rails provide an initial hand hold to pull on before then reaching the toe strap and anyone with a shorter reach than me (I am 5'10" ish tall) will struggle to reach the toe straps on a boat of this width without them.
- Once you have reached the toe strap you are able to sheet in some mainsheet through your two hands, if required. This will both help to balance your weight and stop the boat bearing away.
- Due to the super light hull you should keep your weight low and move swiftly to the centreline before the boat leans to windward.
- Sailors over about 90kg, or those a little less agile, may find it easier to climb back in over the transom if climbing in amidships tips the lightweight hull towards them. A good breeze will make climbing in amidships easier for the heavy sailor, especially if you can sheet in the main. Simple physics really!
- For transom entry the transom flap honeycombs provide a useful handhold and there are no strings crossing the back to worry about entanglement. It may be necessary to push the tiller to leeward to help keep the boat into the wind.
8/10 for Ben Poe on his first day in an RS Aero. I am confident he will score 9s next time...
Reply
18/11/2014 21:37:47
Peter Barton
Posts: 5189
