4
Capsize, Inversion and Entrapment
Capsize
- With all sailing dinghies and catamarans there is a risk of capsize. Capsizing is part of the sport of
sailing and part of the risk and fun. The following guide lines will help you recover from a capsize. However,
LaserPerformance strongly advise that you obtain professional training from approved sources to ensure
competency.
Inversion
- When a boat capsizes there is a risk of inversion. The guide will show you how to recover and
re-board successfully.
Mast head floatation
- To reduce the speed of inversion LaserPerformance offer 3 optional forms of mast head
bouyancy. Mast head bouyancy will not prevent inversion, but slow it down to give you more time to stop
the boat inverting before you pull it up-right. (See table for boat specific applications)
Entrapment
-It is possible when a boat inverts to get trapped under the up-turned hull. This can be
dangerous particulaly if your limbs or clothing get entangled with ropes or the trapez gets caught on
standing or running rigging. To reduce the risk of entrapment LaserPerformance would draw your
attention to the following guidelines provided by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA):
1
Keep control lines short, tidy and maintain shock cord elastic so it does its job.
2
Carry a very sharp knife, easily accessable, preferably serated knife.
3
Always ensure good housekeeping and seamanship.
4
Always use a trapeze harness with a quick release hook.
