Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Capsizing Without the Drama

 


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:

  • A sudden gust during a tack or gybe

  • Poor balance in the boat

  • Sails left too tight when they should be eased

  • 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.

  1. Check crew first – make sure everyone is safe and clear of the boat.

  2. Stay with the boat – it floats better than you do.

  3. Get on the centreboard – climb up, lean back, and use your weight.

  4. Let the boat come up slowly – rushing often flips it straight back over.

  5. 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:

  • The faster you get back upright

  • The less gear you lose in the water

  • 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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Capsizing Without the Drama

  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 m...