Will a sailboat tip over?
Yes, a sailboat will tip over. It happens frequently you might be surprised to hear. The chances of your sailboat capsizing might be slim, but there is still a chance. As you get more experienced at sailing you will decrease the chances of this happening – both from sailing more safely and better judging the weather conditions. Bad weather is one of the leading causes of sailboats capsizing. If you are new to sailing, stick to the clear, sunny, windless days.
What causes sailboats to tip over?
There are two main causes of sailboats tipping over. There are smaller factors that go into it but essentially comes down to these two things: Speed and weather. The faster you are going the more at risk you become. If you hit a rogue wave at a high speed you are far more likely to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly at speed you can essentially roll your boat the same way you would roll your car. The difference between cars and boats may be huge but physics is still the same no matter if you are on land or at sea.
Bad weather can cause you to capsize too. It could be from a storm that brings rough waters with it or from strong winds. Strong winds contribute to issues of speed but also present a new problem. You might lose your sail. Your mast and sail are vital for keeping your boat upright. Without one, your odds of capsizing are exponentially higher. It is important to drop your sail in very strong winds for this reason. Additionally, strong winds hitting your side can cause you to roll if you are climbing a wave at a time. If you have ever driven a big car/truck or a semi/bus you will notice just how much a strong side wind can cause you to drift. It is far harder to correct the course of a sailboat than it is a motor vehicle.
What are the dangers of a capsized sailboat?
A capsized sailboat is dangerous. If you choose to stay on the boat you are completely out of control. You cannot steer and you have no way of controlling your direction or speed. If you are even moving at all. Another danger is any debris that might have fallen/been broken off when your boat capsized. This is not just an expensive mistake but a potentially dangerous one. If there are electronic devices, sharp pieces of boat, or any kind ropes you are at risk of hurting yourself. Be it from electrocution, being cut. or strangling yourself by accident.
It is a good idea to swim away from your boat if it seems very unstable. It is also important to swim away if the boat starts sinking quickly. The bigger your boat is, the more dangerous it is when sinking. When large objects begin to sink they take everything down with it. If you are stood on your boat as it sinks quickly you may not be able to swim away from it. The water will pull you down with the boat. That’s why it is a good idea to radio for help and then assess whether or not you are safe to stay on the boat. Having a small dinghy/lifeboat is always helpful. There is a limit to how well you could free a lifeboat if your sailboat is upside down though.
How to prevent your sailboat from tipping over
There are a few ways you can prevent your sailboat from tipping. The less weight you have on your boat the less likely it is to tip. This may sound counterproductive, but it makes a lot of sense. If your boat has a lot of weight on it, once it starts to tip there is likely no chance of recovery. When your boat is lighter, it can more easily right itself. It is also important to take corners slow and wide. Fast and sharp is what rolls boats over. Just as it does with cars. Your boat’s weight displacement is so important. Weight should be kept in the center of the boat and as low down as possible.
What to do if your sailboat tips over
If your sailboat tips over there are a few things you need to do. You must act quickly when doing all of these things, time spent dawdling is time wasted. First, you need to assess the damage. This does not mean estimate the cost of repairs, it means estimate whether the boat is going to sink or right itself. Some boats when capsized will eventually roll back over. This is because all of their weight is in the bottom. If the boat rights itself, you are fine to keep on sailing. If the boat doesn’t right itself, you need to decide if it is sinking or not. If it is, get off it and move as far away as you can. If it isn’t sinking, stay on your boat and radio for help.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a good idea about how and why sailboats tip over. A good sailor will be able to keep their boat the right way up in most conditions. But, not all of them. Sometimes even the best sailors can find themself with an upside-down boat. If you do find yourself with a capsized boat, remain calm and follow the above steps. Chances are you will be fine, the odds of your boat sinking are minuscule. Good luck!
