5 Trailersailers Went to Sea (but then the weather started getting rough)
Play along and vote out the least seaworthy design
It must be snowy December—that’s my excuse for these fanciful virtual games where we compare the characteristics of different little boats. Today we’re asking you to vote one boat out of our little seaworthiness contest. (Let’s hope the defeated vessel somehow makes it to safe harbor under jury rig before the worst happens.)
Okay, here’s the scenario: A West Wight Potter 19, a Drascombe Lugger, a Siren 17, a Catalina 22, and a MacGregor 26 all go to sea together.
The problem: The weather, of course. Unforecast storm conditions and a wicked offshore breeze has surprised the fleet of trailersailers and, along with the sea state, the wind is continuing to build. Although conditions are only at Force 7 so far—winds of 28 to 33 knots, meaning a near gale—one of the boats is already in trouble…
Your job: Use the poll below to vote for which boat’s skipper you think would most likely be tapping out first. In other words, who do we eliminate first. Feel free to add your rationale in the comments below.
Oh my, it’s getting nasty out there…—Eds
•SCA•
Having been out in force 7 & much greater in much more substantial boats than these, the correct answer is ALL! If you have really sailed in force 7 you would know it is the sea conditions/wave height that are the issue. None of these boats are suitable for those kind of conditions.
John Acord
It's nearly winter, sailing season is over, I'm fighting a cold, and I'm a Grumpy Old Man On The Internet. With that caveat out of the way: What the heck? Who's "tapping out" first? The answer is: Me! I'm tapping out first. On *any* of those boats, including my own Marshall Sanderling 18. I'm heading back to the ramp or the closest available shelter in fricken' F7 conditions.
Of all these, the boat that's gonna "get in trouble" first is the one with the least experienced skipper and crew.