what were these chaps up to ??
- Thread starter simonfraser
- Start date
Caer Urfa
Well-Known Member
I think every one on this site will want to send our sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
I also think this is not the time to make comments of 'why' and 'what if ' as many of us have also made bad judgments and have been 'near the edge' at times including myself.
I am sure the investigation will give some answers as why these good people thought they could put safely to sea in that sized boat in those conditions!
I also think this is not the time to make comments of 'why' and 'what if ' as many of us have also made bad judgments and have been 'near the edge' at times including myself.
I am sure the investigation will give some answers as why these good people thought they could put safely to sea in that sized boat in those conditions!
William_H
Well-Known Member
It is interesting that the cruiser capsized. Cruisers seem to capsize here on occasions in rough water. It seems that the hulls are designed for easy planing high speed and seldom have any ballast or reason to stay upright except the form stability of the hull. (flat bottom)
I might imagine that a ballasted hull might have more chance of recovering from a knock down or roll over if beam on to a big wave. (But what else would a sail boat man say.)
Anyway it is an example of where waves are particularly treacherous in shallow water and near the shore. Having started heading out he may have survived if he went a lot further out before trying to turn around.
The moral is to remember modern mobos are not as seaworthy as we might hope. olewill
I might imagine that a ballasted hull might have more chance of recovering from a knock down or roll over if beam on to a big wave. (But what else would a sail boat man say.)
Anyway it is an example of where waves are particularly treacherous in shallow water and near the shore. Having started heading out he may have survived if he went a lot further out before trying to turn around.
The moral is to remember modern mobos are not as seaworthy as we might hope. olewill
narooma
Well-Known Member
From my limited experience at Whitby, the last 100 yards or so before the end of the piers is very difficult to turn round in if the sea is up. Once outside the harbour the seabed to the south side is stepped and to the north is slopped. He would have needed to be at least 500 yds away from the pier before any noticable wave reduction would be noticed and even then would have to be very precise on a turn. The incident sugests they were not overly experienced. A most regretable outcome.
misterg
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
A most regretable outcome.
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Tragic. I originally took some comfort that one had survived, but all 3 dead....
Horrible.
Andy
A most regretable outcome.
[/ QUOTE ]
Tragic. I originally took some comfort that one had survived, but all 3 dead....
Horrible.
Andy
Stoaty
Well-Known Member
Turning any boat around in a big sea relative to the boat is tricky. My way as taught to me by the previous two generations, is, bows to the weather, try to find the deeper water. Have in your mind the way you are going to turn, bear in mind the wind, which way the boat turns best, how you will work the steering and throttles. Don't attempt to turn until you are absolutely clear about this and stick to it when you eventually turn. Then you wait and wait until a patch of sea comes along that you <u>can</u> turn in. Not one that you think you might be able to turn in, let that go. Just wait and wait you might need the patience of a saint but it will come along.
Alfie168
Well-Known Member
Sailed out of Whitby a handful of times, and even in mild seas it can be noticeably bumpy as you leave the harbour.
This is a truly dreadful thing to happen. I have been on the sea front at Whitby in something close to a storm and its pretty evil at the entrance, but one can only guess that the comparative calm of the inner harbour convinced the skipper it would be OK to proceed, and by the time he realized it wasn't it was too late. Its a brave man who would press on..probably their best chance, and a desperate one who tries to turn round
Just awful
Tim
This is a truly dreadful thing to happen. I have been on the sea front at Whitby in something close to a storm and its pretty evil at the entrance, but one can only guess that the comparative calm of the inner harbour convinced the skipper it would be OK to proceed, and by the time he realized it wasn't it was too late. Its a brave man who would press on..probably their best chance, and a desperate one who tries to turn round
Just awful
Tim
Caer Urfa
Well-Known Member
Being located on the North East coast and having been in many harbours as said by others above 'do not try' and turn the boat around either between the piers or just after the 'bar', go out to sea and as said above prepare for that 'Window' to turn and give her some welly to do it quickly when you do.
Hindsite is a wonderfull thing.
Hindsite is a wonderfull thing.