Re: I decided

On 2008-04-15 08:20:21 -0400, Brian Whatcott <betwys1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> said:

> On Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:55:37 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok
> <b*paige*125@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> 
> 
>> Are you stating specifically that a sailing boat that loses its mast
>> is in more danger of capsizing then when the rig was in place??  I
>> would appreciate it if you could elaborate on this as it was always my
>> understanding that once the rig was either cut away or retrieved and
>> lashed on deck the boat rode no worse then it had with the rig in
>> place.
>> 
>> It was always my thought that once the rig was gone that stability of
>> the ballasted hull would become slightly better with no weight above
>> the deck line.
>> 
>> I emphasize that I have no interest in this discussion other then this
>> single point which is probably of interest to most cruising sailors.
>> 
>> 
>> Bruce-in-Bangkok
>> (correct email address for reply)
> 
> There are conflicting factors (as usual): the pro-stability factor is
> the considerable mass far from the roll center (called moment of
> iniertia) which slows the rate of roll in adverse seas.
> The con-stab factor is the increased windage and weight above the
> water line.
> 
> Brian W

As I read this thread, the mast *might* slow wave-induced roll enough 
to prevent a roll-over. Anyone who's taken their boat out without a 
mast up can attest that the boat is a lot less "stable".

But such waves don't come without wind trying to roll the boat all on its
own.

I can only believe that having the mast and remains of sails "up" once 
the boat is inverted would be a distinct disadvantage to coming back up 
in a timely manner. Dinghy sailors know how much drag a little bit of 
cloth can create.

-- 
Jere Lull
Xan-à-Deux -- Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/