Re: [SCOW] Interesting report on dinghy entrapment

> Julian - thank you so much for sharing this important study with SCOW
> members. I think SCOW should consider acquiring and requiring the
> use
> of the masthead floatation device (the mainsail head slip-on buoyancy
> device or "floatie") on the Scots. The cost is minimal compared to
> potential crew injury, loss of a life, or damage to boat/sails
> occasioned by turtling in our sailing area. It may be time to create
> an appointed "Safety Officer" position and/or "Safety Committee" for
> the Club, too. Jan Earle

I used to sail with the Cal Sailing Club of Berkeley in San Francisco
Bay, where capsizes were common and you had to demonstrate a capsize and
righting for the lowest level skipper test. The masts all had flotation
at the head, but it didn't have to be expensive. A simple empty
one-gallon bleach bottle with the cap on, tied through the handle to the
head of the mainsail is generally adequate to prevent turtling or
getting the mast stuck in the mud. It may not be pretty, but any
skipper can choose to 'install' it each time the main is raised.

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