My son and I were almost across Lake Michigan approaching South Manitou Island on a reach with a storm main and
jib, our Lightning moving along well, heeling a fair amount, in maybe 6 foot waves when I saw a large wave bearing down from starboard. I eased the main, the wave smashed to starboard, and I figured we were going over but an amazing thing happened as the boat began to slide sideways in the water instead of capsizing. I believe the reason it skidded sideways was because I had the centerboard slightly more than halfway up. If the board had been down much more I think we would have capsized.