Learning to Sail: Capsizing – How to Turn a Scary Moment into a Learning Opportunity
Ahoy there! Welcome back to my sailing adventure blog, where I recount the ups, downs, and sometimes literal flips of learning to sail as a 65+ year old on the River Thames. Today, we're tackling something every sailor knows will happen at some point—capsizing. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, capsizing is an inevitable part of dinghy sailing, especially on the unpredictable waters of the Thames.
Now, while capsizing might sound like a nightmare, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be a great learning experience—if approached with the right mindset and plenty of practice. Let’s talk about how to prepare, what to do when it happens, and why practicing capsizing in a controlled environment is so important.
The Reality of Capsizing
It’s a fact: sailboats capsize. It’s one of those things that feels a bit like a rite of passage for dinghy sailors. If you’re learning to sail, you’ll eventually find yourself unexpectedly in the drink—so you might as well get comfortable with it!
I did my capsize practice in the summer, and, of course, it was essential to have experienced sailors, instructors, and a safety boat nearby. You’ll want someone who knows what they’re doing to guide you through the process—someone who can prevent you from drifting off to France while you’re struggling to right the boat.
The instructor joked that he had warmed the water with a kettle just for us, which, as I gingerly dipped my toe in, wasn’t entirely believable—but it wasn’t too bad either. My wife bravely went first, capsizing our boat against a pontoon on the river’s edge. She was crew and rolled into the boat as the helm clung to the centreboard like an Olympic gymnast.
When it was my turn, we headed out into the middle of the river. Let’s just say my attempt at righting the boat didn’t quite go according to plan. Picture me wrapped entirely around the centreboard, my body more of a hindrance than a help, while the boat stubbornly refused to flip back upright. Meanwhile, we began our leisurely drift downstream—fortunately, with the safety boat blocking our path before we became an unplanned exhibit at the next riverside pub.
Safety First: Buoyancy Aids and Essential Gear
Capsizing can be made significantly less frightening by being prepared with the right safety gear. This means wearing a proper buoyancy aid at all times. No, it might not be the height of fashion, but trust me, in cold, flowing water, it becomes the most stylish thing you’re wearing!
Key Safety Items:
- Buoyancy Aid: Always wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid. It helps keep your head above water and provides that extra support when you’re trying to climb back into the boat.
- Appropriate Clothing: If it’s chilly, consider a wetsuit or drysuit. Cold water can quickly sap your energy, so you want to stay warm, even in the summer.
- Whistle: A whistle can be a lifesaver, literally. If you’re separated from the boat or need help, it’s much easier to blow a whistle than shout yourself hoarse.
How to Capsize Safely (If That’s Even Possible)
Capsizing practice is best done with an instructor who knows the procedure like the back of their hand, and a safety boat close by to assist. Here’s what you should do when you find yourself in the water:
1. Stay Calm and Hold On
First things first: stay calm. You’re in the water now, and the boat isn’t going anywhere—hopefully, neither are you! The key is to hold on to the boat. You don’t want to get separated from it, especially with currents trying to sweep you downstream.
2. Climb onto the Centreboard
The key to righting the boat is climbing onto the centreboard. This is the long board that sticks out from underneath the boat, and when your dinghy capsizes, it’ll be sticking out of the water horizontally. The idea is to use your weight to leverage the boat back upright.
Now, this is where I struggled. The trick is to stay balanced on the centreboard, using your weight without going full “koala bear wrapped around a tree” like I did. With a bit of practice (and fewer desperate hugs), it’s possible to turn that centreboard into your best friend, using it to coax the boat back onto its feet.
3. Get Back In
Once the boat rights itself, you need to get back in—easier said than done, especially when you’re feeling like a wet sock. The trick is to use the ropes along the gunwale (the boat’s edge) to pull yourself up, kicking your feet for extra help. It’s not always graceful, but with determination, you’ll find yourself back in the boat before too long.
Safety Procedures for the Shore Crew and Safety Boat
While you’re busy floundering in the water, everyone else has a role to play too. Here’s what those on shore and in the safety boat should be doing:
1. Safety Boat Assistance
The safety boat crew are your guardian angels during capsize practice. Their job is to:
- Keep You Safe: They stay nearby to make sure you don’t drift too far down the river.
- Provide Assistance: If you’re really struggling to right the boat or climb back in, they can give you a hand or even haul you out of the water if needed.
- Prevent Collisions: The safety boat ensures that other traffic on the river stays clear of your capsized boat—because the last thing you need is another boat complicating the situation!
2. Onshore Support
The folks onshore have their roles too:
- Keep a Watchful Eye: They should be watching out for any signs of trouble. It’s important to have someone onshore who can raise the alarm if things go awry.
- Help with Recovery: Once you’ve righted the boat and made it back to the dock, onshore support can help with recovery—whether that’s helping you out of the boat, offering a towel, or simply giving you a reassuring pat on the back.
Why Practicing Capsizing is Essential
Practicing capsizing in a controlled environment is crucial for building confidence and competence. Knowing how to handle a capsize before it happens in an unexpected situation makes all the difference. During practice, you can get used to the shock of the cold water, the mechanics of righting the boat, and the steps needed to get everyone safely back inside—all without the added stress of being alone or too far from help.
Plus, practicing with a bit of humour and a group of fellow sailors makes it less of a daunting task. After all, who wouldn’t want to capsize under the watchful eye of an instructor who jokes about warming the river with a kettle?
Final Thoughts: Capsizing Happens—Be Ready
Capsizing is part of the sailing journey. It’s not something to fear but rather a skill to master. With proper safety gear, a well-trained crew, and plenty of practice, you can turn a potentially nerve-wracking event into a well-handled maneuver.
So, next time you’re out on the water and your boat starts to tip, remember: stay calm, hold on, and find that centreboard. You might get a bit wet, but with the right preparation, you’ll be back at the helm in no time, hopefully with nothing worse than a few laughs and a great story to tell.
Until next time—happy (and hopefully upright) sailing!
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