Demasted in Gasparilla Sound

Posted By: David Martinez, P-15, Venice, FL
Date: 5/12/08 5:37a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

Well. yesterday was exciting. I was having a wonderful day of sailing in Gasparilla Sound off the west coast of Florida. Wind was probably about 15 knots and the weather was pleasant. I was about 15 minutes into my return trip, sailing on a reach, when the mast came crashing down. Since the sails were outside the centerline of the boat the wind carried everything into the water. No injuries and no apparent structual damage to the boat or sails. This is an old boat and it seems that a mast rivet on the eyelet for the port sidestay let loose. Is it normal to use eyelets for stay attachment on the P-15 and is it standard procedure to attach via rivets?
PS. My Honda 2HP brought me the 5-6 miles home. I was shocked when it all happend but immediately felt secure since I had my life vest on!

Messages In This Thread

Demasted in Gasparilla Sound -- David Martinez, P-15, Venice, FL -- 5/12/08 5:37a.m.

yikes and rivets -- greg/wwp15 "nymph" -- 5/12/08 7:43a.m.

Glad you're ok! -- Westcoaster, HMS 18, Jaunty -- 5/12/08 7:49a.m.

Rivets, etc... -- Charley P-15 "Mallard" -- 5/12/08 5:50p.m.

it's happened to me twice -- Anne Westlund, Raggedy Annie, Slipper 17 -- 5/13/08 6:51a.m.

Great story Anne, one I won't forget as I prepare my boat for sailings -- Stephen Butter, P 15, Butter1, #2200, Olympia, WA -- 6/13/08 4:55a.m.

I agree great story Annie... -- Tim "Morning Dove" WWP19 #457 Potter Valley CA -- 6/13/08 8:20p.m.

Anne, story well told. -- Carl P-19 #1432 "Dagmar" on SF Bay -- 6/13/08 11:38p.m.

Demasting; thanks -- David Martinez, P-15, Venice, FL -- 5/13/08 9:44a.m.

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