15. Your Dart 16 Capsize Technique
Th
e use of a LaserPerformance supplied Dart 16 mast head fl oat is highly advisable.
(Th
is device will assist in the
prevention of complete inversion in the event of capsize)
When sailing your Dart 16 in breezy or blustery conditions,
it is highly probable that from time to time you will capsize. In the event of a capsize we advise you follow the
procedure documented below:
Righting the Boat:
1.
Ensure all members of the crew are accounted for and safe.
2.
If the gennaker is deployed, drop the sail back in to the sock.
3.
Release the main/jib sheets from respective cleats and ensure the sheets are fully extended to avoid the boat
sailing immediately after righting.
4.
If the boat inverts, fi rst recover the boat on to its side.
5.
In adverse conditions and with more than two crew it is recommended that the largest crew member swim
to the bow and hold the bow during righting and until all other crew members have re-boarded after righting.
(Th
is ensures the boat swings in to the safe head into wind position upon righting)
6.
It is recommended to use the “scoop” recovery system for crewmembers not involved in the righting
procedure. When the boat is on its side, the crew members to be scooped should move to the inner lower side
of the boat as close to the center of the boat as possible. As the boat is righted, these crew members will be
“scooped” onboard the boat ready to help other reboard. “Scooping” should only be attempted with practice
and should only be commenced after the boat is stabilized on its side by a crewmember who is securely located
on the centerboard and holding the capsize righting line under the gunwale. Th
is is to prevent the boat from
inverting and potentially trapping the crew.
7.
To right the boat, one crewmember should stand on the centerboard moving out towards the end of the
board whilst leaning out holding on to the righting line. Th
e boat will recover to the upright position quickly.
It should normally only require one average size person to eff ect righting on the centerboard.
8.
Immediately after righting, the tiller should be pushed fully towards the mainsail to stop the boat sailing
until all crew have reboarded.
9.
Re-boarding can be undertaken over the windward side of the boat using the righting line as a step or over
the transom. A grab rail is positioned on the inner face of the sub deck to assist with pulling yourself back in
to the boat.
10.
If the person in charge of the boat or the crew are inexperienced in capsizing and righting procedures, it is
advised to perform practice drills under skilled supervision before sailing the boat in earnest.
11.
All crewmembers should wear an approved buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the water.
Warning!
During a capsize, do not hold onto the tiller extension because it will break.
Warning!
Be careful that you do not get a leg trapped under the toe strap during a capsize or when
the hull is heeled.
16. On Th
e Water
•
Conform to the sailing rules of the road.
•
Look out for changing weather conditions.
•
Never sail beyond your ability or that of your crew.
•
Inform someone of where you are going and when you’ll be back.
•
Be competent in your sailing skills and righting techniques
17. Safety Afl oat
Th
is instruction manual is not a guide to sailing your craft and it should not be considered suitable for
the task of learning to sail a boat. Please read the manual before rigging and sailing your Dart 16.
Before You Go Sailing:
1
. Check you are wearing suitable clothing and safety equipment for the conditions and time of year.
2
. Always wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket
3
. Make sure a third party knows where you are sailing and how many there are of you.
4
. Check the weather forecast
5
. Check the time of high and low tides if applicable.
6
. Seek advice on the local conditions if you are sailing in a new area.
7
. Always check the condition of your craft before setting off .
8. Check for overhead cables when rigging, launching and recovering.
Care, Maintenance and Service of your LaserPerformance
Product
Before rigging your Dart 16, please read and familiarize yourself with this rigging manual. Failure to adhere to
these guidelines could invalidate your warranty.
Maintenance
• Keep the equipment clean by frequently fl ushing with fresh water. In corrosive atmospheres, stainless parts may
show discoloration/brown staining around screw holes and rivets. Th
is is not serious and can be removed with
a fi ne abrasive.
• Excess water should be removed from the hull.
• Ropes, rigging and fi ttings should be checked at regular intervals for wear and tear, including winch gear.
• All moving parts should be lightly lubricated to avoid jamming, i.e., McLube, dry Tefl on or a dry silicone
based spray. Do not use oil.
• Inspect shackles, pins and clevis rings and tape up to stop snagging sails, ropes and clothing and to prevent
them from coming undone.
• When refastening screws do not over tighten as this may strip the thread and do not reuse Nyloc nuts more
than three times.
• Damaged or worn parts should be replaced.
• Sails should be thoroughly washed down with fresh water, dried and stored in a dry place.
Trailers and Trolleys/Dollies
• It is highly recommended that a trolley/dolly is used to launch and recover your boat. Dragging your hull up onto a
beach or slip way will wear away the gel coat or polyethylene and damage the boat. Also, the hull should not be left
on a pebble beach as the hull skin could be dented.
• Trailers should be rinsed with fresh water and checked at regular intervals. It is recommended that trailers be
serviced annually. Th
e trailer and road base should never be immersed in water.
• Trailers and trolleys supplied by LaserPerformance are designed to transport the hull in the best possible manner
to avoid damaging the hull. For instance, LaserPerformance does not recommend support hulls on rollers except
on the keel line and only where there is a reinforced keelson. We also recommend gunwale hung trolleys for our
smaller products. Hulls supported by a trolley bunk or wide strap must have the ability to drain water away from
the hull. Trolley bunks padded with carpet or foam can cause blistering in the gel coat and changes to the hull
color. Please do not transport your LaserPerformance product on a trailer or trolley that has not been specifi cally
designed for the product. Hulls damaged through using an incorrectly designed or wrongly set up trailer or trolley
are not covered under warranty.
• When securing your boat to a trailer for transport be very careful that ratchet straps and ropes are not over
tightened and that there is suffi
cient padding under the strap or rope to prevent the hull/deck from being damaged
through abrasion or pressure.
• Top covers must not be allowed to “fl ap” when driving at speed. Th
is can abrade the surface of the hull and
damage it. It is recommended if you are towing and plan to use your top cover that an under cover is fi tted fi rst
to prevent cover fl ap damage to the top sides of the hull.
• Repairs to the polyethylene or GRP hulls should be undertaken by persons with the relevant equipment and skills.
Contact LaserPerformance for advice.
Storage
• Your boat should always be tied down securely to the ground when not in use.
• UV light will cause fading to some components and fi ttings. A cover is recommended to reduce the UV degradation.
• Do not leave the rig under tension when not sailing or during storage.
• Care must be taken to support the hull adequately if storing on racking or similar. Any sustained point loading
could permanently dent or distort the hull.
• Under covers for LaserPerformance products should be produced from a breathable or semi breathable fabric to
allow moisture to evaporate away from the hull. Th
is is essential to prevent damage to the hull skin. Also, the hull
should never be left in the under cover wet or damp. A combination of moisture and heat over an extended period
can also damage the hull. Th
e under cover is designed to protect the hull when being transported and should be
removed when the hull is being stored. Typical damage includes small bubbles or blisters, excessive print through
of glass reinforcement, foam or wood and color change.
• Rudders and centerboards must never be stored wet in carry/combo bags. Th
is can cause blistering, print through
and warpage.
• All our GRP products are designed to be dry sailed. In other words stored on dry land. If you intend to leave your
boat on a mooring for any length of time it is essential that you apply an osmosis barrier coat. LaserPerformance
can recommend a suitable product.
On Water
• When wearing a trapeze harness, take particular care when climbing on to the centerboard and back into the
boat after a capsize. Th
e trapeze harness hook could easily damage the hull or deck.
On Water Towing
• Towing your LaserPerformance product at high speed (10 – 20 knots) behind a rib or power boat can seriously
damage the hull. Boats damaged in this manner are not covered by the warranty. LaserPerformance recommends
a maximum towing speed of 6 knots.
