August 13, 2003
A broach and near capsize
It was a rough time tonight. Although the winds were force 3, we had gusts that must have gotten up into the 20 kt range, or at least the worst one was that strong. We didn't see it coming on the first run, and we and broached to with the spinnaker up. Joe was quick enough to blow the vang and ease the spin sheet, but we had a lot of water come over the gunwale. It spooked me. Joe opened the bailer, got the chute down, and we sailed the rest of the race.
The Vanguard 15 kicked our butt, Tom had a great race and was abouit six minutes ahead of us, uncorrected. We just barely managed to beat Dick on the last leg again.
I am beginning to wonder if the changes I've made to the rig are not for the better. It's odd, but the first few weeks it performed very well, now the boat seems to have trouble.
