Capsize Safety & Rescue

A column documenting unfortunate incidents affecting sailors during the regatta, including illness and injuries to Carl Seifert, Lee Wilson, and Kent Thornton that prevented or interrupted their participation.

Detailed account of a recent capsizing incident involving National Champion Jim Hendrickson at the Fall Regatta, with analysis of what went wrong and lessons learned about safety procedures.

Humorous editorial commentary offering tongue-in-cheek observations about Fleet activities and boat owner behavior.

Technical discussion of forward deck standing techniques and improvements for crew safety and comfort during racing.

A humorous letter raising concerns about hiking straps and center of gravity, arguing that the physical changes that come with aging make the regulations unfair to older sailors compared to younger competitors.

A comprehensive technical guide by Sandy Douglass on the procedures for righting a capsized Thistle, including proper positioning of the rescue boat, use of the tiller and weight distribution to stop the water, and detailed steps for safely re-boarding the boat after water removal.

An editorial discussion of the controversial hiking straps issue that continues to resurface in the association. The editor presents arguments from Ron Small and Neil Patzer regarding the safety, performance, and legal status of hiking straps, noting that this issue was previously defeated at Racine in 1953 but remains contested.

Bill Nexsen reflects on his experience hiking out while sailing and how modern hiking straps have improved sailing technique and safety.

Notice from President Jack Beachem and Secretary Tuthill urging all skippers and crews to have proper sail labels and warning flags as required by TCA regulations for all sanctioned events.

A boat handling column examining capsize incidents and providing practical advice on staying dry, including how boat design and sail management affect stability in light breezes.

Fleet Captain Charlie Althaus describes an unusual sailing adventure in San Francisco Bay where he and crew encountered seals in a slough, navigated through mud, and discovered California mud is extremely thick and sticky at the bottom.

BAGPIPE is indebted to THISTLEDOWN which is indebted to Cecil and Betty Brooks, who sent a thick packet of HOUSTON CHRONICLE clippings. Seabrook Sailing Club took a ferocious beating from Carla as did all the surrounding waterfront. Members who removed their boats to safe cover later returned to find the concrete block clubhouse gone except for the floor slab and scattered piles of concrete block.

Comprehensive technical article on preparing for and recovering from capsizing. Covers flotation requirements, buoyancy placement, specialized equipment, recovery procedures for different sail conditions, and crew coordination techniques based on experience at high altitude lakes.

Tom Goodwin provides comprehensive technical advice on preparing a Thistle for capsize recovery and describes various methods for preventing water ingress and maintaining floatation, based on his practical experience and accident analysis.

During a race in strong winds, Jim Phelps' boat capsized and Marion Phelps fell overboard. The Vander-Gaag boat responded to the emergency, and despite not having life-saving gear readily available, successfully rescued Marion and helped both boats recover from the incident.

Account of an incident during the final race at the Midwinter Championship when Joe Vander-Gaag's boom collided with Marion Phelps' boat, nearly resulting in serious injury or worse. The article discusses the rescue, safety concerns about life-saving gear, and the proposal for new class rules regarding life jacket requirements.

A detailed first-person account by the author describing how he capsized his Thistle twice in a single race at the St. Petersburg Midwinters regatta, including the circumstances of each capsize, how the boat was recovered, and reflections on the experience and what was learned about boat handling during challenging racing conditions.

Humorous account of capsizing twice in consecutive races at the St. Petersburg Midwinters. Describes equipment failures, spinnaker problems, and the challenge of righting a Thistle in rough water.

Report on capsizing during the St. Petersburg Midwinters and the successful recovery process. Describes keeping the boat level while righting it and the importance of a well-trained crew.

Practical advice on caring for a Thistle after capsize, including inspection of the mast and rigging, drying procedures, and preventing salt water damage to equipment and boat components.

Technical advice on proper capsize recovery procedures for Thistles, including how to right the boat, manage water removal, and restore rigging. Explains the practical steps and tools needed to get the boat seaworthy again after a capsize.

Account of the Richmond County Yacht Club Staten Island annual regatta where lightning struck two boats during a thunderstorm, destroying masts and damaging equipment. The story details the dramatic incident involving Noel Cram's boat and the nearby Denis Posey boat, with safety recommendations for handling similar situations.

Practical checklist for Thistle sailors preparing for regattas, covering essential and comfort categories of sailing gear and boat equipment needed for racing events.

Clarifies the definition of a "used boat" from the perspective of marine surveyors and insurance industry standards, providing humorous definitions of various boat conditions.

Discussion of misused terminology in marine surveying, particularly regarding definitions of 'excellent condition' and 'used boats.' The author humorously interprets various marine insurance terms and compares them to actual boat conditions.

Practical checklist for Thistle sailors attending regattas, organized by equipment categories including sails, rigging, safety gear, and personal items needed for sailing and camping.

Practical guide to righting a capsized Thistle and recovering from the situation. Covers crew positioning, tactical decisions about rigging, and method for getting the boat upright and sailing again.

Technical advice on proper capsizing technique for Thistle sailors, covering how to capsize safely, recovery procedures, and why staying calm and methodical is essential for both boat safety and continued racing.

Handy checklist of essential sailing gear and equipment for Thistle regatta participants, organized by categories including sails, rigging, safety equipment, and comfort items.

Section header introducing the monthly skippers' forum discussing rules, equipment, and sailing topics.

A reader asking for help with a Thistle that went upside down and requesting information about preventing future capsizes.

A helpful checklist of sailing equipment and gear items organized by category to help skippers remember everything needed for regatta events.

Account of the tragic death of Jay Dormin and the loss of his wife and crew during a terrible accident at Santa Cruz. The article examines the circumstances of the capsizing, rescue efforts, recovery, and subsequent investigation into water safety and boat design issues.

A comprehensive article on skippers' responsibilities and safety, discussing avoiding panic, building boats with proper specifications, and implementing the lessons learned from past accidents. Topics include flotation, dress codes, and safety measures for the class.

A collection of letters from readers discussing various topics including the Santa Cruz sailing tragedy, boat design, capsizing safety, equipment modifications, aluminum mast benefits, and other sailing matters.

Comprehensive article on sailing safety following the Santa Cruz incident. Discusses responsibility, crew preparation, rescue conditions, survival strategies, race committee obligations, and preparation for emergencies in racing.

Comprehensive safety article drawing lessons from a Santa Cruz incident where a Thistle capsized in heavy seas. Discusses the skipper's ultimate responsibility for boat safety, crew preparation, survival conditions, race committee responsibilities, and practical safety considerations for sailing in various conditions.

News article about a serious automobile accident involving Thistle sailors Ralph Kelley and family members traveling to a regatta, with details about the incident and recovery.

News report of an automobile accident involving Ralph Kelley and his family returning from a regatta at Sandusky, Ohio. The article discusses the injuries sustained and emphasizes the importance of safe driving when transporting boats.

Humorous report of an unusual regatta at Icecraker where boats flipped and capsized but racing continued, with participant information and results.

Discussion of the dangers of metal masts conducting power lines at yacht clubs and recommendations for action to protect club members and prevent hazards.

Technical article reviewing sunscreen products and UV protection ratings, with recommendations for skin protection during sailing.

A humorous regatta report about the fall broken crank punch where sailors encountered unusual and challenging sailing conditions while competing in various boat races.

Research article on the hazards posed by lightning to small sailboats with grounded rigging. The author seeks reports of historical incidents and provides guidance for safety precautions.

Dr. Stormer discusses the hazards posed by lightning strikes to small sailboats with ungrounded rigging. He requests information about lightning incidents involving Thistles to build a database and provide guidance for safer boating practices.

A firsthand account of a dangerous incident at Super Sail VI regatta at Winnebka, Illinois. The article describes challenging weather conditions, failed race committee decisions, and a capsizing event that resulted in injuries, emphasizing the importance of the buddy safety system.

A dramatic account of a near-catastrophic accident during the Super Sail VI regatta when a Thistle capsized in heavy waves, resulting in crew injury and a rescue operation that highlights the importance of safety precautions at regattas.

An article discussing capsizing in Thistles from both a technique and attitude perspective. Covers historical changes in design and safety features that enable self-rescue, techniques for recovering from capsizes, and the importance of proper crew training and mental preparation for capsize recovery.

A dramatic incident report describing the capsizing and rescue of three Thistle sailors on Lake Erie near Lorain, Ohio. The article documents the emergency situation, the causes of the accident, response from the Coast Guard, and lessons learned about safety equipment and preparation.

Warning about the dangers of overhead powerlines for sailors, with a specific account of an incident where two boys were severely burned when their trailer mast touched power lines. Emphasizes that clubs must bury overhead lines to prevent such accidents.

The President discusses the importance of boat safety, reflecting on changes in attitudes toward sailing safety over recent years. She emphasizes the need for proper flotation, secure equipment, and general preparedness for capsizing and emergency situations.

A personal account of a harrowing experience when Pam Baxter capsized during the East Coast Fall Series at Nyack, filled with water and nearly drowned. She discusses the importance of wearing life jackets and learning to swim, reflecting on how different conditions might have led to a worse outcome.

An article describing the dangers of commercial tow boats and their wakes to small pleasure boats, explaining blind spots, proper positioning, crossing techniques, and rules to avoid collisions on rivers and waterways.

An account of a dramatic lightning strike incident at the Richmond County Yacht Club regatta in Staten Island that struck multiple boats, destroying masts and injuring crew members. The article provides historical safety rules for responding to lightning storms at sea and emphasizes personal responsibility for outdoor sailing decisions.

Chamberlain provides humorous and detailed instructions on proper capsizing technique, covering various methods and the importance of maintaining composure and skill during the process.

Practical guide for sailing crew members listing essential items and gear needed for on-water sailing, including flotation devices, headwear, sunscreen, hiking boots, casual clothing layers, weather gear, and tips for staying comfortable and safe while crewing Thistles.

Phil Davis provides a detailed account of a dangerous capsize incident at a Thistle regatta in Pasco, Washington, where poor weather conditions and inadequate rescue preparations led to a harrowing situation. He emphasizes the importance of race committee preparedness and crew safety practices.

Janet Tabor recounts a dramatic rescue operation during the Desert Regatta where her crew assisted another capsized Thistle, demonstrating the importance of preparedness and seamanship in emergency situations on the water.

Dave Dellenbaugh provides a comprehensive checklist of essential items and equipment that sailors should carry on their Thistle boats for racing and safety, reprinted from his publication Speed and Smarts.

Marty discusses the controversy over wearing life jackets while racing, noting that while proper flotation is important for safety, some sailors debate when and how such equipment should be required.

A comprehensive checklist covering boat and trailer, safety equipment, personal gear, and general items needed for regatta preparation and participation.

Detailed narrative of a capsizing incident during a Thistle race involving the boat Seriously Twisted. The author vividly recounts the chaos of the spinnaker wrapping around the boat, crew efforts to right it, and the dramatic recovery including a collision with a crash boat and final successful righting and re-rigging.

A detailed account of a severe thunderstorm at Westport Yacht Club where Thistles were caught in dangerous conditions. The article provides practical guidance on decision-making in severe weather, proper procedures for dealing with squalls, and strategies for anchoring, rescuing, and recovering from emergencies.

Personal anecdote about a capsize incident during an early spring regatta while sailing boat 3459, with a humorous recounting of the events leading up to the capsize and its aftermath.

McNitt recounts her experience learning to sail Thistles and the critical importance of proper clothing for crew comfort and performance. She discusses foul weather gear choices, wet suits, boots, gloves, and the psychological benefits of being properly dressed for the elements.

An informative article about hypothermia prevention and treatment for sailors, covering proper clothing, equipment, and what to do if exposed to cold water while sailing.

Doyle recounts a harrowing capsize experience during a club race, detailing the rescue effort and providing hard-won lessons about boat preparation, PFD usage, and handling emergencies.

A comprehensive guide to sailing gear for women, featuring practical advice from seasoned female Thistle sailors. The article covers essential categories including wicking tights, water sneakers, spray tops, quick-dry shorts, sun protection (hoodies, zinc sunscreen), and cold-weather gear (spray tops, bibs, gloves). Contributions from multiple women sailors offer brand recommendations and tips.

The Chief Measurer reflects on a tragic 1969 incident at Northern California Districts that killed three sailors and led to major flotation safety improvements. He relates this to recent capsizes at the 2023 Nationals and calls for renewed vigilance about boat flotation and safety inspections to prevent similar tragedies.