| Author |
Topic: snapping masts |
 |
murphcbr6 |
Posted: 07-Jun-06 09:45 |
|
|
|
as Ive said before - i'm a newcomer to sailing (and ISOs) - I was a bit perturbed to hear that numerous people snapped masts at the Nationals - is this a weakness in the ISO? - Where do the masts snap? and why? (i.e. what were the ciircumstances)
is there anyhting that can be done to prevent it. Also what did you do once the mast had snapped - could you get the sail down? was it possible to get back to the beach or did you just sit and wait to be rescued? |
| |
|
Mike Perry |
Posted: 07-Jun-06 12:41 |
|
|
|
Murphcbr6
In answer to your question; I have been sailing ISO's now longer than most people in the fleet (probably around 10 years) and in all that time I had not broken my mast until Saturday at Hayling Island. My mast went at the spreaders, fortunately no damage was done to the main but I was unable to drop it, and the bottom section of the mast remained in place and I was able to sail back to the HISC from the race area including keeping outside the shallows markers as required by the SI. It was actually less risky and quicker than having a tow in those seas.
In summary masts do not regularly snap unless abused, but should it happen to you then you will have to react to the circumstances as to whether you need rescuing or can get yourself back to shore.
MikeVFR8
[Edited by Mike Perry on 07-Jun-06 12:42] |
| |
|
Pete Lindley |
Posted: 07-Jun-06 13:10 |
|
|
|
Masts break due to abuse. Hayling was mainly due to people hitting the bottom with their masts.
I have yet to break an ISO mast and I've been sailing them since 1999 in winds from 0mph - 38mph.
Keep the boat upright and pull the right bits of rope the right amount at the right time and you'll be fine.
Pete |
| |
|
murphcbr6 |
Posted: 07-Jun-06 14:33 |
|
|
|
"pull the right bits of rope the right amount at the right time and you'll be fine"
lol - so thats what I'm doing wrong
...its the right bits of rope - just not necessarily in the right order - I'll give you that!....
[Edited by murphcbr6 on 07-Jun-06 14:36] |
| |
|
David |
Posted: 07-Jun-06 23:09 |
|
|
|
No weakness of the masts, we havent snapped one in 8 years, which was along the lines of my words 2 hours before the Nationals - ho hum
Its the toughness of the sandy bar at Hayling that breaks them nothing else !!
And watching around the park on that Saturday night, they seem to bend back quite well with some strategic flexing ! or was that the beer ?? |
| |
