Wasabi Turtled, Wallowed, and Almost Sank

by Laurie Duncan                                                                                                       Sunday, September 19

Racing today with exciting to say the least.  Winds were zesty-15-18 with gusty puffs and some shifts.  Got caught in an accidental jibe on a downwind run with the chute up ( we had just felt confident enough to raise it).  Boat went over in seconds.  Mast broke midway.  Chute was still dragging around in the water along with the main/jib.  Of course we had forgotten to use the preventer so no centerboard ot step on.  Race committee was wonderful and came immediately to our rescue in spite of the warning at the skippers meeting that rescues might not be possible. At the meeting I of course reminded myself that I had never capsized- oh the arrogance of the uninitiated! 

The capsize and initial assessment all consumed about 2 minutes.  Once we established that we were all ok the arduous task of attempting to right the damn boat began.  The current was ripping and at times the boom was stuck in the mud.  We also picked up the leeward mark for awhile and dragged that with us.  Frustration mounted as we watched the contents begin to float away.  The boat began to sink.  We tried to climb on the high side using the fin as foot grip.  This did not work at all.  The Robolo got a line to us but  try as she might the little Robolo did not have enough power to turn us around and pull us with enough speed to keep the boat afloat.  Wasabi sank even more, at times almost disappearing.  Cathy and Curt were great and we were all pretty calm.  Fortunately the water was warm. I wondered about salvage and how much that was going to cost. Kachink, kachink.

Enter the police boat.  Curt and I hopped on board, Cathy on the Robolo.  My first question was "Are you going to give me a ticket?'  They didn't.  Towing continued to present a problem although by this time the chute was off and the boom was located.  Boat continued to sink.  We began to drift down river trying to tie Wasabi alongside the Robolo.  With the shrouds and lines flopping about it was difficult to get tied up.  Additionally by now she was almost entirely submerged and we were alongside the Naval research balls. The police pulled away and the Robolo just didn't have enough juice to  pull us in. The police came back and towed the robolo which towed Wasabi.  With speed some of the water went out through the transom bailers and we actually saw her emerge from the murky depths.

Hauling up on the hoist was another challenge.  Lucky for us Jill Williamson was on hand to assist.  Between bailing and using the bailers we finally got the boat out of the water.  Actually I should say Cathy and Curt did.  I had to be at work in Kensington for an Urgent Care shift at 5 pm.  I walked in soaking wet with shoes squishing and announced my arrival.  Was only 5 minutes late, changed clothes and went to work.

We were photographed by a photographer from the Journal who said our picture may be in tomorrow's edition.  Please look for us with tape across our eyes.  Moral of the story-eat a big lunch before sailing and bring a dry polar fleece.

Thanks again to all who came to our assistance. 


PS
Does anyone know where I can get a new mast?