Capsizing Without the Drama
Because every dinghy sailor will go over at some point
If you sail dinghies, you will capsize. It is not a matter of if, but when. The real difference is whether it turns into chaos or just another part of the day’s sailing.
With practice and preparation, a capsize can be nothing more than a quick splash, a laugh, and back to sailing again.
Why Capsizes Happen
Capsizes are usually caused by:
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A sudden gust during a tack or gybe
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Poor balance in the boat
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Sails left too tight when they should be eased
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The occasional overconfidence (we’ve been there)
On the Thames, add shifty winds and the occasional tree shadow, and it is easy to find yourself upside down.
The Calm Approach
Capsizing without drama is all about staying calm and having a plan.
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Check crew first – make sure everyone is safe and clear of the boat.
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Stay with the boat – it floats better than you do.
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Get on the centreboard – climb up, lean back, and use your weight.
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Let the boat come up slowly – rushing often flips it straight back over.
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Re-board with care – easier said than done, but practice helps.
Practise Makes Perfect
The best way to lose the fear of capsizing is to practise it deliberately, in warm weather with safety boats nearby. Once you have done it a few times, it becomes routine.
We learned that the more you rehearse:
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The faster you get back upright
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The less gear you lose in the water
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The more confident you feel when it happens for real
Final Thought
Capsizing is part of sailing. It does not have to be dramatic, dangerous, or embarrassing. With the right mindset, it is simply another skill to learn — and one that makes you a better sailor.
So next time the boat tips over, take a breath, climb back on, and sail away smiling.
📖 Read more practical sailing guides at https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Capsizing.html
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