I've read several reports of Potters turtling--it's a feature. But never an M15 or M17. Knockdowns? Sure. But turtle? Never. t On Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 11:35 AM, Tom Jenkins <tjenk@gte.net> wrote:
I "turtled" my Potter 14 (masthead pointing at the bottom) the first day I sailed such a small boat, due to some rookie mistakes. I was screaming downwind with the centerboard up, and a 30+ knot gust hit me on the beam; she went clear over because the cabin filled up as we capsized. It was easy to right after I dove down to the cockpit and released the sheets, but the water was memorably cold. Funny how I have not done that again in 33 years. In the Potter, I never sail with the centerboard up, never cleat off the main, and never leave the cabin open; simple. On my M17 I mounted the mainsheet cleat upside down so it will pop loose with a yank in one of those frantic moments you can't predict. Beyond that, just have fun. I love lake sailing, but it is much different than the ocean. You can't daydream because the wind direction and speed are so variable, and you have to keep in mind what to do with those sheet if you heel wildly or capsize.